Fatigued Truck Drivers in Atlanta Accidents

Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are strict rules and regulations for truck drivers about driving long hours. When a truck driver breaks these rules and continues to drive when fatigued, they can put others on the road in danger. Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents and a negligent action on the part of the driver. If you have been injured in a truck accident due to driver fatigue in Atlanta, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a causation study of 120,000 large truck fatality accidents. They looked at the many causes of these fatal accidents, including driver performance, vehicle issues and the environment. Overwhelmingly, the cause of the accident was placed on the driver, with 87% of these fatality accidents caused by the driver. Truck driver fatigue was determined to be the main factor in 18,000 of the fatal crashes.

Dangers of Tired Truck Drivers

Many truck drivers are paid based on fulfilling their deliveries quickly. To make more money, they need to drive for as long as possible to deliver their loads and move on to the next job. While federal regulations require them to stop and rest after a full day of driving, many continue to stay behind the wheel. Fatigue can impact their driving performance, reducing reaction time and concentration.

When a large truck collides with passenger vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles or bicyclists, it is more likely that anyone outside of the large truck will be injured. In 2016, 97% of the people who died in multiple vehicle large truck fatality accidents were occupants of the other vehicles, not the large truck. Fatigued truck drivers are a danger to anyone on the road, and can be held responsible for their negligence if they cause an injury or fatality accident.

If a fatigued truck driver caused an accident in Atlanta that took the life of a loved one or caused your personal injury, contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today. We offer free consultations to discuss legal compensation options for victims of large truck accidents.

Cost of Truck Driver Fatigue

When a fatigued truck driver causes a serious injury or fatal accident, it is often pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and passenger vehicle occupants that are the victims. When a truck tips over due to overloading or a driver swerves into another lane due to fatigue, it can change the life of anyone in their way. Not only is the driver at fault, the company they work for may also be liable for any injuries or loss of life they caused.

Truck accident lawsuits are much more complex than auto accidents involving only passenger vehicles. A fatigued driver may have been pushed to continue working by their employer, even though they were not safe to be behind the wheel. All the different factors involved need to be investigated to determine who is liable – these cases can have multiple entities that are involved, from the driver and trucking company to various insurance companies.

When a family loses a loved one or a person is seriously injured in a large truck accident, they may incur many expenses. Commercial truck injury and fatality accident lawsuits can pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain/suffering and other expenses. While no amount of money can undo the damage caused by fatigued truck driver accidents in Atlanta, it can relieve the financial burden for the victim or their family.

At the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown, we have helped many of our clients pursue compensation due to serious injury or death caused by commercial truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident caused by a fatigued, distracted or impaired driver, contact us for a free legal consultation. Call our office today to schedule your consultation.