Available 24/7
Driving drowsy can be a serious issue for anyone, but it can be especially hard for commercial truck drivers who drive semi-trucks, tankers, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles. These drivers have to stay alert and awake while on the job, but often have the task of driving hundreds of miles in a day. Causing an accident can result in devastation and take the innocent lives of the people on the road around them.
If you are the victim of an accident with a commercial truck, you should reach out to our experienced truck accident attorneys right away.
Driving Drowsy Statistics
Driving while fatigued is dangerous for all drivers, but it is a huge risk for truck drivers. A study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that up to 13 percent of crashes involving large trucks were due to fatigue.
Although truck drivers have strict regulations regarding the hours of service they are allowed to spend on the road every day, they still put in a lot of time behind the wheel. While truck drivers have tight time standards, the regulations they are supposed to follow aren’t always adhered to This puts their lives, and the lives of those around them, in danger because of drowsy driving. Some consequences of drowsy driving may include:
- Loss of awareness of other vehicles, the road, or obstacles
- Compromised judgment regarding negotiating turns, slowing down, or speed
- Slower reflexes that lead to increased reaction times for hazards
- Lower concentration for the task of driving and impaired memory
- Mood changes that may result in erratic driving
When the driver of a big rig is fatigued and their fatigue results in an accident with a pedestrian or another vehicle, the driver of the truck can face legal consequences for any property damages, injuries, or deaths that are the result, especially if they have violated the hours of service regulations. If the trucking company is discovered to have encouraged or forced the driver to break these federal laws, the company could also be found liable for the resulting accident.
Compensation for Drowsy Driving Accidents
If you or your loved one is injured in an accident with a big rig truck, you could be entitled to receive compensation for any damages and injuries you sustained. Compensation may include lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, medical expenses, future medical bills, pain and suffering, and much more. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine what your claim is worth and help ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to from the responsible parties.
Seek Legal Assistance After a Truck Accident
If you have been in an accident, it is important that you have an attorney on your side that understands the complex regulations and rules involving large commercial vehicles. A trucking accident attorney at David Aylor Law Offices will have years of experience handling these types of claims and would be honored to help you and your family obtain the compensation that you are entitled to. We have offices in north and south Charleston, Walterboro, and Myrtle Beach to serve our clients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.