When you think of dangerous driving behaviors, no doubt actions like drunk driving and distracted driving come to your mind. Yet, another seriously threatening driving scenario exists – driving while fatigued.
Each year, data is compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning all car crashes filed with the police. The reported numbers show some100,000 accidents were related to drivers being fatigued behind the wheel. The data also reveals that these types of accidents result in more than 50,000 injuries annually. Worse yet, they cause the deaths of more than 800 people a year.
Clearly, a fatigued driver is a dangerous driver. This is especially true when the driver is behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle like a semi truck. If you have been in an accident with a large truck and suspect the driver was fatigued at the time, our personal injury attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you need.
You can contact our experienced Buffalo fatigued truck driver accident lawyers 24/7. Call us at 888-888-8888 for a free case evaluation.
Why Truck Drivers Drive While Fatigued
For many adults, getting adequate sleep each night is difficult. In fact, the CDC reports that every 1 in 3 adults will not get the recommended amount of sleep needed.
Nonetheless, jobs, exacting bosses, and relentless daily schedules require people to push through life in their tired state. Consequently, although exhausted, people continue to drive. Truck drivers are especially likely to face pressure to drive while exhausted.
To keep up with busy schedules, deliveries and other demands by the trucking company or client, truck drivers may forgo a good night’s sleep to comply with scheduling demands.
Federal regulations for commercial truck drivers exist to help avoid crashes caused by fatigued driving. Of course, both the truck drivers and the trucking companies must follow these rules to maintain safe driving.
Any truck driver who is concerned that their employer is not complying with any state or federal regulations can report the situation to the US Department of Transportation. In addition, if an employer threatens the truck driver with retaliation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) can assist the driver.
Why Are Fatigued Truck Drivers So Dangerous?
A fatigued truck driver can quickly create an extremely dangerous situation while driving. When traveling at highway speeds, a truck can cover the distance of a football field in about 5 seconds. A long yawn, nodding of the head, or momentary spacing-out from exhaustion can cause the truck to collide, bump another car, swerve into another lane, or make some other dangerous movement. Because of the truck’s size, these actions can cause tragic results.
Studies have revealed that drivers who have not slept in the prior 20 hours can have significant impairments when it comes to concentrating while driving. A tired driver can exhibit impairment similar to a driver who is under the influence of alcohol, with slower reactions to changing road conditions and struggling to pay attention.
It is obvious that the weight and size of large trucks demand that their drivers have the highest level of attention and good judgment. These drivers must be able to make quick and precise decisions as they encounter a variety of situations on the road.
Around Buffalo, drivers must factor for inclement weather conditions as well.. Winter road conditions can be perilous for fully alert and vigilant drivers. The danger of winter roads is even worse for fatigued drivers.
What Are Common Injuries After a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident?
Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and similar large trucks are among the most imposing vehicles regularly encountered on freeways, highways, and regular roads. When they collide with normal-sized cars and trucks, the damage to the smaller vehicles can be extensive.
The injuries can vary from scrapes and bruises to severe injuries or fatalities. Additional common injuries from truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Bone fractures
- Back injuries
Our team of personal injury attorneys are familiar with laws and regulations set in place to prevent fatigued truck driver injuries from occurring. Don’t wait to contact us if you’ve been injured by a fatigued truck driver. As you recover and focus on healing, our team will be there to help handle the stressful and confusing insurance claims.
Compensation Available to You After a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident
An accident with a large truck can result in minor to severe injuries and damages. Although each case is unique, the available compensation frequently falls into a few specific categories. These are economic damages and non-economic damages. Additionally, punitive damages may be imposed if the guilty party was reckless or negligent.
A collision with limited damage and minimal injuries can receive less compensation than a truck accident with catastrophic results. For wrongful death and life-altering injuries, a judge or jury might require considerably more damages from the guilty party.
In most cases, compensation can be recovered for the following:
- Vehicle damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Past and future losses
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Life-changing disabilities
- Punitive damages
Realistically speaking, obtaining compensation for your injuries requires having an attorney familiar with truck driving cases. Guilty parties frequently try to minimize and hide their accountability.
With a member of our team of personal injury attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that your case is being pursued with your best interests in mind. We will have the goal of obtaining the highest amount of compensation you deserve.
How Can a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyer Help You?
Establishing guilt in a truck driving accident caused by a fatigued driver can be difficult. This is especially true when the driver denies being fatigued. Nonetheless, our lawyers know how to establish the truth in these cases.
We understand how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to truck drivers and trucking companies. We can isolate when and how these laws and guidelines have been ignored or disobeyed and use these facts to establish your case.
Throughout a case like this, the driver, trucking companies, and insurance companies may all try to conceal their accountability. They may attempt to minimize the injuries and damages you have experienced. It can be exhausting and overwhelming to fight with them day in and day out.
When a lawyer with our legal team is on your side, you do not have to be involved in these negotiations. Rather, you can concentrate on getting better while we fight for you. Let us make the difference in your life as we have in the lives of our other clients.
Speak to Our Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, New York
If you or a loved one has been injured in Buffalo, New York, in a fatigued truck driver accident, you can get assistance in protecting your rights. Start by consulting a trustworthy member of our team.
When you choose Cellino Law, you will have access to experienced legal professionals who know how to handle personal injury litigation in the right way. With our excellent track record, we are known as one of New York’s top personal injury firms.
You can contact our experienced Buffalo, New York, fatigued truck driver accident lawyers 24/7. Call us at 888-888-8888 for a free case evaluation.