Did Truck Driver Fatigue Cause Your Accident?
Commercial truck drivers must comply with hours of service regulations when they are on the road. These regulations govern the number of hours they may drive between rest periods. When drivers do not follow the regulations, the results can be disastrous.
If a drowsy truck driver caused an accident and you or a family member were injured, you can file a personal injury suit against them and possibly the trucking company as well. At King Law Firm, P.C., we have over 30 years of experience in bringing cases against negligent drivers and their employers. From our Sioux City office, we represent people injured by negligent truck drivers in South Dakota and northern Iowa. You pay nothing unless we secure damages for you.
The Dangers Of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is as hazardous as drunk or distracted driving, and it causes most of the same issues, including:
- Not paying attention to the road
- Swerving into other lanes or vehicles
- Inability to adjust to changing traffic conditions
- Missing a traffic sign or signal
- Losing control of the truck
- Running other vehicles off the road
In addition to these problems, there is a unique problem with drowsy drivers: They may use amphetamines to stay awake. Sometimes these are prescribed to them, but sometimes they are used illegally. It is important to determine whether the driver had a prescription and used the pills as directed. They could seriously impair the driver and cause an accident.
Who Is To Blame For Driving Over The Hours Allowed?
The driver is liable if they did not follow the hours of service regulations; however, their employer may also be liable. It is not unusual for a trucking company to impose strict, unmeetable deadlines for the delivery of their cargo. This causes some drivers to take shorter rest periods or not take any time to rest.
In some instances, the driver maintains a fake logbook of their trips that shows them taking the required rest breaks. We will investigate whether they actually took breaks.
To prove that they did not follow the regulations, we can use data from the truck’s black box and GPS system. There may be other ways to track their movements as well, including time-stamped receipts from their delivery location.
An Attorney Who Cares About Clients’ Well-Being
Our lawyer knows how it feels to be the underdog, but with his help, you can stand up to trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Learn what is possible in your case by calling 855-201-0098 or contacting us online. Free consultation.