Fatigued Truck Drivers in Colleyville Accidents
Truck drivers work under a tight schedule and often spend long hours operating complicated and massive vehicles while traveling across the country to transport essential cargo. Fatigue is among the leading causes of crashes caused by trucker negligence. Therefore, federal laws regulate the maximum number of hours they can remain behind the wheel in one shift or week.
You could be eligible for compensation if a careless trucker caused a crash and you suffered bodily harm and losses. Schedule a meeting with a hard-working semi crash lawyer skilled with claims involving fatigued truck drivers in Colleyville accidents to learn more.
The Risks of Drowsy Truck Operation
Truck drivers work long hours and usually have irregular schedules, leading to sleep deprivation and extreme fatigue. Drowsy truck operation is a severe issue throughout the trucking industry, and crashes in Colleyville can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Some examples of problems truckers face without adequate rest include:
- Impaired reaction times, including swerving too late to avoid collisions or delayed braking
- Cognitive impairment causes the trucker to forget training or to focus on operating the vehicle safely
- Decreased attention and alertness cause them to miss essential steps before making maneuvers, such as checking blind spots before switching lanes
- Dozing off behind the wheel, particularly while driving during late-night hours
- Excessive lane weaving
- Failure to come to a complete stop for red lights and stop signs or adhere to other traffic safety laws
Operating massive trucks, such as 18-wheelers, without adequate rest puts the trucker and other motorists around them at severe risk of harm. An attorney could answer specific questions about potential damages and the process during the consultation.
Federal Hours of Service Laws
Federal laws regulate hours of service for truckers to reduce the number of life-altering or fatal crashes each year because of drowsy drivers. Per the guidance of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the maximum hours of service rules are as follows:
- Remain behind the wheel for a maximum of 11 hours and remain off duty for at least 10 consecutive hours
- Must take rest breaks of at least 30 minutes for every eight hours of truck operation
- Drivers may extend driving time from 11 hours to 14 hours during inclement weather conditions
- Short-haul truckers operating the vehicles within a 150-mile radius can remain behind the wheel for up to 14 hours
- Truck drivers may not operate the vehicles over 60 hours in a seven-day workweek or 70 hours in an eight-day workweek
- They must remain off-duty for a minimum of 34 consecutive hours to reset the time each week
A lawyer seasoned in handling accident cases caused by drowsy truck drivers in Colleyville could gather the evidence needed to find the cause and prove liability.
Call an Attorney in Colleyville After Fatigued Truck Drivers Cause Accidents
Operating a large commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, takes skill and concentration at all times, and collisions can happen suddenly, even under the best of circumstances. Therefore, getting enough rest is crucial for truckers. When you think a drowsy driver could be responsible for causing a crash you were involved in, you have the right to pursue damages from the liable party.
A diligent lawyer experienced in handling cases involving fatigued truck drivers in Colleyville accidents understands how the industry works and could help you obtain the maximum potential settlement amount. Call today to discuss your case and schedule a consultation later this week.