Every year, catastrophic truck crashes caused by fatigued truckers devastate families, destroy property, and leave victims in need of extensive medical treatment. These fatigue-related accidents involving commercial motor vehicles, including bus drivers and commercial vehicle drivers, often result in catastrophic accidents, injury crashes, and tragic fatalities. The hours of service rules exist to prevent such tragedies, yet trucker fatigue continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes across the U.S.
The Role of Fatigue in Truck Accidents
Numerous studies, including a previous study and the 100-car study, reveal the dangerous consequences of drowsy truck drivers and fatigue events. Fatigue affects road users in multiple ways, from loss of attention to delayed evasive maneuvers. These safety-critical events, triggered by loss of alertness or natural limits, often culminate in catastrophic crashes with internal injuries, minor injuries, or death.
During peak sleepiness periods, professional truck drivers may be operating after exceeding driving hours or failing to take a required 10-hour break. Some ignore the 14-Hour Limit, fail to adhere to adequate rest cycles, or skip the 34-hour restart period, all contributing to fatigue in truck accidents.
Understanding Hours of Service Regulations
Hours of service regulations define strict duty time, duty status, and non-driving time to ensure truckers are well-rested. Overworked drivers, especially long-haul drivers under pressure from commercial trucking companies, may violate these rules. Often, the function of driving hour is exploited on turnaround routes, especially in adverse weather conditions or when transporting hazardous materials.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and reports like the Mortality Weekly Report stress that driving hours and fatigue events are major causal factors in catastrophic truck crashes. Unfortunately, many motor carriers fail to monitor or enforce proper hours per day and eight-day period limitations.
Legal Support for Fatigued Trucker Accidents
If you’ve been injured due to a fatigued truck driver accident, it’s critical to work with an experienced attorney who understands hours of service rules and can identify all negligent parties involved. A seasoned personal injury attorney will investigate driver reports, hospital reports, and police reports to determine liability and fight for fair compensation.
Damages may include:
- Property damage
- Medical conditions
- Loss of consortium
- Extra compensation
- Punitive damages
- Financial losses
Fighting for Victims of Truck Accidents
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims of fatigue-related accidents. Our law firm holds parties accountable, including commercial trucking companies, motor carriers, and commercial drivers, ensuring they are legally responsible for the devastation they cause.
Truck crashes not only result in significant property damage, but also financial losses, emotional trauma, and a lifetime of recovery. In some cases, confounding factors like distracted driving, a chaotic driving environment, or a stuck gas pedal may also contribute ,but fatigue remains a root issue.
The Alarming Reality
Did you know a shocking percentage of trucks are operated by tired drivers? A concerning percent of truck drivers admit to pushing limits without sufficient rest, especially on long driving hours turnaround routes. These fatigued truckers become a danger to all road users, especially in safety-critical events where alertness is vital.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a fatigued truck driver accident or a catastrophic truck crash, the experienced attorneys at Ted Law Firm are here to help. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is ready to fight for your rights. We know how to take on trucking companies, insurance giants, and negligent parties, and win. Trust Ted Law Firm to guide you through life’s most difficult times. We proudly represent injured drivers and their families in Atlanta, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
