When an individual is driving while overtired, it makes it easier for them to lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident. The most common reasons for truck driver fatigue are not getting a good night’s sleep, working too many hours, and the person not taking care of their body to allow for proper sleep.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck collision caused by an overtired driver, you might be entitled to compensation. A Norwalk truck driver fatigue accident lawyer could fight for you and help you recover the damages that you deserve. Contact an accomplished truck collision attorney today.
The rules and regulations that are in place to prevent truck driver’s fatigue are that truck drivers are mandated by federal law as to how long they are able to continuously drive as well as the number of hours they are able to drive in a week.
A truck driver is allowed a period of 14 consecutive hours in which to drive up to 11 hours after being off-duty for ten or more consecutive hours. The 14-consecutive hour driving window begins when the person starts any kind of work.
It is not a crime to choose to drive while too tired. However, it is a motor vehicle violation to drive while fatigued. Driving while fatigued can qualify as being a reckless driver. This reckless conduct of driving while fatigued could subject someone to a criminal penalty of reckless driving.
Driving while tired can lead to many serious types of crashes. A person who is driving while fatigue could cause a rear-end collision, rollover accident, jackknife accident, side-impact collision, and more. An overtired truck driver could commit a traffic violation that leads to a severe crash. The ramifications involving fatigued driving are much more serious with trucks because of the weight and size of the truck itself.
Driver fatigue can influence driver liability because long haul trucks are equipped with special equipment that could indicate whether or not someone was driving while fatigued. Aspects that could be measured include braking patterns and steering directions, which will be able to indicate whether the truck driver had dozed off or not. The trucking company could be found vicarious liability for the actions of their driver, who is considered to be their agent.
After a wreck, a truck driver fatigue accident lawyer in Norwalk could gather and preserve evidence as quickly as possible. Once an attorney reviews the facts of the case, they could establish negligence and determine if there are multiple defendants.
Some truck companies pressure their drivers to work through breaks, which could cause truck driver fatigue. In this case, the trucking company could be held liable.
A truck driver driving while fatigue can lead to a severe collision. If you were injured in a wreck, you might want to seek the services of a compassionate and dedicated Norwalk truck driver fatigue accident lawyer. Call today to get started on your case.