If you’re hurt in a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation. Many commercial truck accidents are due to drivers who aren’t fully awake and alert behind the wheel. Take a closer look at the prevalence of accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, legal options for victims, and more.
How the Trucking Industry Prevents Fatigue
Drivers have to abide by various trucking industry safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. One of them aims to minimize the risks of drowsy driving, protecting drivers and other motorists. Commercial drivers are subject to strict hours-of-service regulations that govern the amount of time they spend behind the wheel.
Current regulations include:
- Driving no more than 11 hours during a 14-hour workday
- Taking 30-minute breaks every eight hours spent on the road
- Having at least 10 consecutive hours off duty after each workday
- Driving a maximum of 60 hours during a seven-day period
- Driving no more than 70 hours during an eight-day stretch
Many semi-trucks utilize electronic logging devices, allowing drivers to accurately track their hours of service.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
If a driver isn’t fully alert, they could endanger themselves and others around them. Some of the biggest dangers of driving while fatigued include:
- Impaired reaction time: A tired driver may be slow to hit the brakes or swerve to avoid a collision.
- Potential loss of control: Dozing off for even a second could cause someone to lose control of a vehicle and crash it.
- Concentration issues: If a driver is struggling to stay awake, they may not be aware of their surroundings.
- Poor decision making: Driving while fatigued could lead someone to make decisions they wouldn’t otherwise make.
To stay safe and alert, drivers should take breaks when needed.
Determining Liability in Accidents Caused By Truck Driver Fatigue
If you’re hurt in a truck accident, it might feel natural to blame the driver. However, a thorough investigation could determine one or more liable parties.
The driver could be solely responsible if they hit the road without enough energy and doze off behind the wheel. In some cases, their employer may be at fault. For example, if a trucking company ignores FMCSA regulations and requires drivers to work beyond their hours-of-service recommendations, they could be held liable in an injury claim.
Reach out to an experienced lawyer and explain your circumstances. Attorneys may collect evidence to support your claim and determine the at-fault parties in an accident.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
Despite regulations aimed at preventing accidents caused by truck driver fatigue, dangerous collisions can still occur. One of the first things you should do after a truck accident is consult a personal injury attorney to assess your case. You may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable.
Reach out to Yale Haymond Law PLLC if you need an experienced injury attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina. Call (704) 800-4357 today to request a free case evaluation.
