Truck drivers must remain alert and cautious while operating their tractor-trailers. When truckers are tired, they are more likely to make misjudgments and mistakes or let their mind wander while behind the wheel.
Massive commercial trucks are tall and heavy, making it challenging to control them in normal conditions. Therefore, strict safety regulations include hours of service truckers must adhere to when on the road.
A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer could help you recover compensation for your injuries if you were hurt in a tractor-trailer collision. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer experienced with fatigued truck drivers in Grapevine accidents to learn more.
Common Causes of Fatigued Driver Truck Crashes
There are several reasons why a semi driver may not get adequate rest. Typical causes of crashes among tired truckers include:
- Falling asleep behind the wheel and veering off their side of the road into oncoming traffic
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Failing to notice cars pulled over on the shoulder of the highway
While it is dangerous for any driver to get behind the wheel of a car when tired, large trucks have more potential to cause devastating crashes than any other vehicle. Unfortunately, due to their size, collisions with tractor-trailers are often fatal. A skilled attorney in Grapevine could help determine the cause of a semi collision with a fatigued trucker.
Stimulant Use
Commercial truck operators are usually under stressful deadlines and are pressured by their employers to complete cargo transports quickly. Some big rig drivers attempting to meet strict deadlines may use over-the-counter stimulants to stay awake. While these medications may help keep a trucker awake briefly, stimulants often make truckers feel worse than they did without them. Additionally, stimulants can cause drivers to make errors they would not make under normal circumstances.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Service Regulations for Truckers
Tired truck drivers are more likely to be involved in severe accidents. Thus, there are strict rules and regulations that trucking companies and drivers must follow. According to the guidance of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers must do the following:
- Refrain from driving 11 hours straight after ten consecutive hours off duty for rest
- Take a 30-minute break from driving after driving for eight hours
- Remain on duty for 14 hours or less
- Cannot work over 60 hours over a period of seven days or 70 hours over eight consecutive days
If drivers in Grapevine fail to comply with these regulations and cause crashes, civil and criminal laws could hold them liable for ensuing damages. Trucking companies must also ensure their employees follow the laws. An experienced lawyer could help determine if a fatigued driver and company complied with driving regulations.
Grapevine Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Call a Qualified Attorney for More About Grapevine Fatigued Truck Drivers Accidents
Truck drivers who operate their tractor-trailers without adequate rest can cause accidents that do irreversible damage to nearby vehicles and passengers. When these semi truck incidents occur, truckers and the companies they work for are liable for any subsequent injuries or damages.
When truckers fail to follow regulations and cause major accidents, injured victims have the right to hold them financially accountable. Call a lawyer seasoned with fatigued truck drivers in Grapevine accidents for questions or to prepare your case.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
