West Palm Beach Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Attorney
Fatigued trucking is one of the biggest safety threats in the United States. Long haul truckers are on the road for weeks at a time, often driving up to 10 hours a day. Being away from friends and family can take a mental toll on anyone, and many trips are monotonous. Call Pike & Lustig today to speak with our West Palm Beach fatigued truck driver accident attorney about your crash. A tired trucker should not get behind the wheel, and the industry must follow federal regulations. You might make a claim for financial compensation.
Fatigue Has Well Known Effects on Trucker Performance
Some studies show that around 40% of accidents have trucker fatigue as a contributing factor. That is an unacceptably high number. Nonetheless, this is a profession with a history of tired driving. A trucker who does not get sufficient sleep is more prone to:
- Falling asleep behind the wheel, which means they cannot see any other vehicles on the road and might even drift into the other lane.
- Having delayed reflexes, so a trucker cannot take swift defensive action to avoid a collision even if they see one up ahead.
- Difficulty concentrating, which can lead to poor decisions while behind the wheel.
- Drug use, including methamphetamine use, to counter the effects of fatigue.
- Double vision, which makes it impossible to see properly while driving.
The federal government has tried to limit fatigued driving by passing “hours of service” regulations which limit the number of hours a trucker can haul in a day and week. Unfortunately, some truckers ignore these rules. They face intense pressure to reach their destination within a tight window, so they might drive all night and then falsify their driving records. The result? An increased risk of accidents.
At Pike & Lustig, we can investigate to find out whether a trucker was fatigued during the accident. Some strategies include pulling the “black box” data from a truck, which should show how long it was in motion. A trucker might also admit to using drugs to help them stay awake, or a blood test after the accident shows the presence of drugs.
We can use this evidence to establish fault for your accident. A trucker who is responsible must pay compensation to injured victims. We can demand damages for car repairs, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Reach Out to Our West Palm Beach Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Attorneys
The weeks after an accident are a depressing time. Many motorists are struggling with disabling injuries and can feel emotional distress because they cannot leave their home. Pike & Lustig can swoop in and start an injury claim on your behalf.
Most transportation companies are liable when their driver is fatigued and causes a collision while driving a rig. The company should have insurance to pay a settlement, but we need to negotiate forcefully to ensure our clients receive a substantial amount. Call our office to speak with a West Palm Beach fatigued truck driver accident attorney about your case.
