Truck drivers are the unseen backbone of our country. Because of the hours spent on the road transporting our goods from place to place, they are often met with strict expectations and deadlines to get the product where it needs to be in time for some high in demand holiday. This demanding profession faces numerous challenges and risks, but one of the most common risks can be one of the most deadly.
Driver fatigue or driving while drowsy impairs a driver’s judgment and response times, making them more likely to lose control of their truck. Trucking accidents caused by fatigue can be deadly, and knowing where to turn to hold those responsible accountable is essential. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident due to someone’s negligence, our experienced truck accident lawyers at Coletrane & Messersmith can help you get financial justice for your injuries.
What is Driver Fatigue?
Driver fatigue is the exhaustion that impairs a driver’s capacity to safely operate their semi trucks due to physical and mental exhaustion. This overwhelming drowsiness significantly reduces reaction times and impairs decisions that can put others in harm. While truck drivers are not the only ones on the road who suffer from drowsiness, the demands of a truck driver’s job increase their chances of this debilitating fatigue that can lead to deadly consequences.
Several different factors can cause driver fatigue:
- Long driving hours
- Irregular driving schedules
- Medical conditions or medications
- Untreated sleep disorders
Large trucking companies often put their drivers on the road with tight schedules and pressure them to drive in unsafe conditions. When a truck driver is fatigued, the odds of a crash increase immensely. About 15% of all trucking accidents are caused by fatigue, and over half of truck drivers report that they often feel drowsy while driving.
How Driver Fatigue Leads to Truck Accidents
Extended hours on the road, irregular sleep patterns, and the ever mounting stress of deadlines can lead to driver fatigue. These resulting physical, mental, and emotional strains place all drivers on the road at risk of a fatal accident.
A truck driver facing fatigue behind the wheel is often compared to an impaired and drunk driver because their ability to drive is so impaired they risk everyone on the road with their actions. When drivers are fatigued and behind the wheel, they face many risks that can cause an accident. Risks like:
- Slow reaction times
- Impaired cognitive function
- Lack of alertness
- Losing control of the truck
- Sleep apnea
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
Large commercial trucks are meant to be driven by those fully in control of their mind and body. Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can cause devastating collisions with other vehicles, medians, or even veer off road. The underlying causes of driver fatigue and their impact on us all on the road can only prepare us if we ever find ourselves in an accident.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Understanding how driver fatigue causes trucking accidents is one matter, but proving that fatigue caused the crash can be quite difficult. If you were involved in a truck accident where you believed that fatigue was a factor, you would need to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to help build a strong case. Proving fatigue as the cause of the crash will require extensive and professional investigation to gather evidence supporting your claim.
While most of the time, the liable party is the truck drivers themselves. Commercial companies can also be held accountable if drivers are overworked or pressured into driving over their hours. Employers must oversee and manage their employees to ensure that their actions do not put others at risk, and any accidents that result from their state of exhaustion can be attributed to the trucking company. Navigating the complex legal landscape and building a case of solid evidence is best done with a strong and competent attorney by your side. Anyone who has suffered from the horrifying experience of a trucking accident deserves justice and compensation.
Your Trusted Legal Partner After a Truck Accident
Semi truck accidents are dangerous and extremely scary. At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent those injured in truck accidents in Virginia, and our experienced legal team can provide you with the financial compensation you deserve. There may be several different insurance policies and liable defendants in these complex cases. Failing to file claims against all responsible parties could negatively affect your family’s ability to receive compensation. That’s why our experienced attorneys can help determine what and who is to blame and guide you in your legal options. Contact us today to get started on a free consultation. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence and should never settle for less.
