Truck accidents can happen in an instant and result in life-altering injuries. Many truck accidents are caused when drivers push themselves, or are encouraged by their employers, to continue driving even when fatigued. When drivers and trucking companies are negligent, they should be held accountable for the damages that result. Make sure to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Chicago for legal guidance and support.
Understanding the Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is the result of physical or mental exertion that impairs performance. Lack of adequate sleep and rest, extended work hours, strenuous work or non-work activities, or a combination of other factors can result in driver fatigue.
Driver fatigue impairs a driver’s alertness and may lead to slower reaction times, lack of concentration, and poor judgment, increasing the risk of being involved in an accident. According to the FMCSA, thirteen percent of commercial drivers were fatigued when they crashed.
Truck Driver Fatigue and Federal Regulations
Because driving when fatigued is a tremendous safety hazard, federal law has established rules to help keep our highways safer. One of these regulations is referred to as hours of service (HOS) rules which are designed to limit how many hours a driver can operate their truck without taking a mandatory break.
The HOS rules set forth in 49 CFR 395 mandate that:
- Commercial drivers can drive for no more than eleven hours in a fourteen-hour period, which includes breaks to eat and use the restroom.
- The fourteen-hour driving period begins only after a driver has been off-duty for at least ten consecutive hours.
- Drivers must take at least a 30-minute break every 8 hours.
- Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty for 7-8 consecutive days. However, they can restart a 7-8 day period after taking 34 or more hours off duty
Liability in Driver Fatigue Truck Accidents
Truck drivers violating HOS rules can be held liable for accidents and the resulting damages. A negligent trucking company may also be responsible for failing to monitor HOS hours or for expecting a driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.
Our attorneys will identify vital evidence to determine liability and prove your case. Some of the evidence we consider may include driver logs, cell phone data, driver receipts, social media posts, maintenance records, and the truck’s black box data.
At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, we will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine all possible causes and liable parties to help ensure you recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer From Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, proving causation and liability can be challenging, and truck accident claims are often complex. You need the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation.
The Chicago injury attorneys at Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys have a proven record of recovering billions of dollars for our clients. Let us help you obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Call (630) 394-5189 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident claim.