Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Injury Claims Lawyer
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, 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 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.