If a driver is fatigued, they may doze off, not see a vehicle on the roadway and run into them. Driving while too tired is not a crime itself, although it could lead to the commission of serious crimes such as DWI charges, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, or vehicular homicide.
If you were severely injured in an accident due to an overly tired trucker, a Grand Prairie fatigued truck driver accident lawyer could help. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer could investigate the incident and help prove that the truckers fatigue is the main cause of the collision.
What Are The Dangers Of Driving While Fatigued?
Sleep deprivation can have a similar effect as drinking alcohol. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes them drive like they have a blood-alcohol level of .05.
Both drowsy driving and drunk driving make it hard to pay attention to the road and negatively impact how fast a trucker can make decisions. A drowsy driver may not be able to break or swerve quickly enough if something happens to be in front of them, which often leads to crashes.
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What Rules And Regulations Are In Place To Prevent Truck Driver Fatigue?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has instituted a number of rules for commercial truck drivers to follow regarding driving drowsy. In order to reduce the number of hours they spend behind the wheel, drivers must take mandatory rest breaks during and between their shifts.
Drivers are prohibited from driving more than 11 hours in a day and must take at least 130-minute break from driving within the first eight hours of their shift. Drivers can be on duty for up to 14 hours, but they are limited to 11 hours of driving time per day. Also, truckers are not allowed to work over 70 hours in a single week or a seven-day period.
After a trucker has completed a 70-hour work week, he or she must rest for at least 34 hours before starting a new workweek. This must include at least two periods of sleep at night between the hours of 1 A.M. and 5 A.M.
Grand Prairie Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Liability of The Driver
A truck driver’s failure to meet his or her legal responsibilities can give rise to a claim for negligence and compensatory damages when there is enough evidence these responsibilities were violated in a willful and wanton manner. Sometimes, a claim for punitive damages can come into play as well.
Truck drivers engaged in commercial transportation for compensation have a lot of responsibilities. They are required to have a commercial driver’s license, and these are only the minimum requirements. There are industry practices and standards of care the driver also has to follow, and that includes having the proper work environment, the procedures, and policies in place.
Truck drivers are required to comply with all regulations. Essentially, the truck driver is the captain of the ship, and they have an enormous responsibility to ensure that vehicles are in good working order and that they are driving to the standards that are required by them.
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Schedule a Consultation with a Grand Prairie Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Attorney
If a trucker drives while fatigued or over-tired, they may not be able to focus on the road like they should, which can cause a serious accident. When a trucker driver causes an accident, they should be held liable for damages. Seek help from a Grand Prairie fatigued truck driver accident lawyer today.
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