How Does Driver Fatigue Impact Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers must undergo intensive training to develop the necessary skills to safely operate a “big rig.” Given the demand for goods, tractor trailer drivers may face up to 11 continuous hours on the road before getting a break. Long hours behind the wheel combined with a lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet is resulting in thousands of fatigued truckers on our nation’s roads.
If you or a loved one have recently suffered an injury in a collision with a commercial truck, our Tampa commercial truck accident lawyers will pursue every avenue to fight for the compensation that is justifiably yours.
Exhausted Drivers are More Likely to Get Distracted
Each year, distracted driving takes the lives of over 3,000 people. It has been proven time and again that we are more likely to get distracted when tired. That is because our brains need stimuli when we are fatigued to stay alert. Fatigued drivers are prone to using their dispatch device, changing the radio dial, or staring at other drivers, resulting in fatal consequences.
Exhausted Drivers Have Slower Reflexes
There is no question that driving requires fast reflexes, which cannot be expected from a driver who is merely trying to stay awake. It is estimated that fatigue contributes to nearly forty percent of all crashes involving trucks that weigh 26,000 pounds or more. Delayed response times are responsible for exhausted truckers creating a hazard on city streets and highways.
Exhausted Drivers Lack Judgment and Reasoning Skills
Drinking a cup of coffee and splashing cold water on your face will not remedy failing to get a good night’s sleep. Operating any type of motor vehicle, especially a vehicle that can weigh 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, requires that the driver be alert and able to make split-second decisions under pressure. A driver who is sleep-deprived loses the ability to remain focused. Research even shows that a driver who goes without sleep for 20 hours has the equivalent reasoning skills of a person with a blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent (Florida legal limit).
Why Should I Hire a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney?
Given the clear liability that is repeatedly assigned to truck drivers, you may be questioning if it is necessary to hire a truck accident attorney to represent you following a crash. While liability may seem readily apparent, the truck driver’s insurance company can skew liability, making it appear that you share partial fault. Claims adjusters have tried and true tactics to skirt liability in an attempt to not pay for your vehicle repairs.
Unlike the average motor vehicle crash, most commercial trucks are installed with an electronic logging device (ELD) that records the vehicle’s driving data. This will provide information on when the engine is on, when the truck is in motion, and how many miles the vehicle drove in a given day. By getting our hands on this information, we can show if a truck driver met the maximum driving limit or exceeded it, proving their exhaustion and subsequent liability. By hiring legal counsel, you safeguard your rights and give yourself the best chance of a positive case outcome.
Hit by a Fatigued Truck Driver? Contact Our Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you have recently fallen victim to a truck collision, you may have no idea what steps should be taken next. The Tampa commercial truck accident lawyers at Matthews Injury Law know that you are likely overwhelmed by medical bills and other expenses incurred by your accident. Understandably, your focus should be on getting better, not dealing with insurance companies or the court system. To learn more about our services, contact Matthews Injury Law online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.