Miami Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

We all know that any form of distracted driving can be dangerous. For example, you should never text on your smartphone while driving. But we often overlook one of the most common–and deadly–forms of distracted driving, and that is driving while fatigued. This is especially problematic when it comes to drivers who operate large commercial semi-trucks for many hours back-to-back, often without stopping to take a break or get much needed rest.

Indeed, fatigued truck drivers are one of the leading causes of commercial tractor-trailer accidents in South Florida. The Miami fatigued truck driver accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent accident victims and their families who seek full and just compensation for their losses arising from such irresponsible acts of distracted driving. We will fight to ensure that truck drivers–and their employers–are held accountable for their failure to take the safety of our highways seriously.

How Long Is Too Long for Truck Drivers to Stay on the Road?

Trucking industry officials and government regulators have known for decades that truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of preventable accidents. This is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all interstate truck drivers to follow “hours of service” regulations. This refers to the total number of hours a commercial truck driver may actively spend behind the wheel without taking a break.

In general, a driver of a tractor-trailer carrying cargo may drive a maximum of 11 hours after spending at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption. And during a given shift, the driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. Furthermore, a driver must spend at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty after driving a total of 60 hours over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days.

One of the first things we look for when representing clients in a truck accident lawsuit is whether the driver violated any of these rules, either on their own initiative or under pressure from their employer. But even when regulations are followed, a driver can still be too fatigued to drive due to lack of sleep or the use of medications that induce drowsiness. That is why it is important to fully investigate the circumstances of any commercial truck accident to understand all of the factors that contributed to a crash.

Contact the Miami Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyers at Pike & Lustig Today

Ultimately, fatigued driving is distracted and negligent driving. A truck driver who causes an accident because they were too tired to pay attention to the road can be held financially liable for their victims’ injuries. The companies responsible for employing that truck driver may also be at-fault, especially if they encouraged or allowed a fatigued driver to stay on the road too long.

The Miami fatigued truck accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, advocate for victims who are struggling to recover from serious and often catastrophic injuries. If you are such a victim, call us today at 561-291-8298 to schedule a consultation.