Fatigue: A Common Cause of Trucking Accidents
Among all the automobile accidents that take place each year, some of the most damaging are trucking accidents. Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death, due in large part to the significant weight of the vehicles. Because trucking accidents have the potential to cause such harm and damage, it is especially important that trucking companies follow the guidelines and regulations that are in place to ensure trucking safety.
Among these guidelines is a restriction on how many hours a trucker can drive before taking time to rest. This restriction is intended to avoid driver fatigue. Unfortunately, statistics show that trucking accidents and fatigue remain a problem in the Kirkland, WA and Redmond, WA area, as well as across the nation. Those who have been injured in a trucking accident caused by fatigue should contact the experienced attorneys at Quick Law Group, PLLC to learn about their legal rights to financial compensation for damages.
The Dangers of Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem among truck drivers. Despite regulations, drivers are often forced to spend long hours on the road with little time to rest. Other factors that contribute to trucker fatigue include the monotonous nature of the work, the isolation of making long hauls alone, and the hours worked. Many truck drivers either start in the early hours of the morning or drive late into the night, periods of time when the body is used to sleeping. Even with skill, experience, and training, a truck driver may have trouble resisting the body’s biological need to rest.
Fatigue does take a toll on the body and mind. When a trucker is fatigued, the response time is longer, the ability to make decisions is compromised, and the driver is more likely to make reckless driving decisions (such as speeding).
In many ways, fatigue has effects on the body that are similar to alcohol. Statistics support the argument that fatigue is a dangerous condition for drivers. According to a 33-month long survey conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigue was one of the top 10 leading factors in trucking accidents. It is estimated that fatigue is a factor in roughly 30 percent of fatal crashes and 15 percent of crashes involving serious injuries.
What to Do after a Truck Accident
First and foremost, after a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries. Once recovery has begun, it is a good idea to contact an experienced truck accident attorney, such as those at Quick Law Group, PLLC. Our attorneys work with experts in the field to conduct a thorough investigation, recreate the scene of the accident, and determine what happened in the hours leading up to the accident.
If there is any evidence that a truck driver worked beyond the hours allowed by federal regulations, or if documents were falsified to conceal the number of hours worked, the driver or trucking company can be held accountable. Our attorneys will work hard to ensure that our clients are justly rewarded for all losses stemming from a truck accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Us
The legal team at Quick Law Group, PLLC has collected significant damages for victims of truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, we can help you fight for maximum compensation for your losses. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case and find out how our experienced attorneys can ensure your rights are protected.
