Truck Accidents Caused By Driver Fatigue: What You Need To Know

Driver fatigue is an issue that affects all drivers, including professional truck drivers. Over the course of four years, there were more than 80,000 crashes report that occurred as a result of this issue. If you or a loved one was struck by a fatigued truck driver, you know just how significant of an impact this situation has had on your life.

Proving Fatigue

When a truck driver causes an accident due to making a wrong turn, speeding, or failing to brake properly, it's somewhat easy to highlight and prove the error. When it comes to fatigue, it's not always as easy to spot. Proving fatigue can be an involved process, but it is something that can be done. If you suspect the driver was fatigued, research should begin with a thorough examination of the driver's log. Driver logs are detailed accounts of their activity, including when they stop for sleep.

By law, professional drivers are required to rest for a certain number of hours each day. These regulations are set in place to ensure that drivers receive enough rest to remain alert while operating on the road. If a review of the log shows that the driver did not adhere to these guidelines, it's much easier to both claim and prove that fatigue was behind the accident.

Beyond The Driver

Even after it's been shown that the driver had not received adequate rest, it's not uncommon for a case to progress far beyond the actual truck driver. What role did their employee play in their fatigue? In the same manner that drivers are expected to follow certain schedules to ensure they receive an adequate amount of rest, employers are responsible for scheduling load assignments and routes that make this goal easily achievable.

For instance, if the research into the driver log shows that the employer routinely scheduled the driver for deliveries that would cause them to operate without a sufficient resting period, the employer is also to blame for the accident. Even if the employer didn't actively engage in this type of activity, but simply failed to review driver logs, as they are legally required to, they still share some of the blame and should be held equally responsible for the suffering imposed on your family.

Getting to the bottom of an accident involving fatigue begins and ends with research from an attorney. Let an attorney prove your case and get your family the compensation they deserve.


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