When driving a large commercial truck, attention is everything. The slightest lapse in focus can lead to devastating consequences, as these massive vehicles require more time and space to maneuver and stop.
Driver fatigue is a major contributor to truck accidents, despite regulations that try to prevent it. Drowsiness can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall performance behind the wheel, heightening the risk of a collision. If a collision does occur, an Atlanta truck accident attorney with Monge & Associates may be able to assist you.
Federal Regulations Are in Place to Prevent Driver Fatigue
To combat the risks associated with fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers. These rules limit the number of hours a driver can spend on the road and mandate specific rest periods to ensure that drivers remain alert and focused while operating their vehicles.
The HOS regulations include a 14-hour driving window limit, which restricts drivers to 14 consecutive hours of driving after starting any type of work. Within this window, drivers are limited to 11 hours of actual driving time. Additionally, drivers must adhere to a 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day limit.
Unfortunately, Not All Drivers and Employers Follow the Rules
Despite the existence of these critical safety regulations, some truck drivers and trucking companies choose to ignore them in favor of meeting tight deadlines or maximizing profits. Drivers may feel pressured by their employers to cover more miles in less time, leading them to skimp on rest breaks or falsify their logbooks to avoid detection.
In some cases, trucking companies may knowingly encourage or turn a blind eye to HOS violations, prioritizing their bottom line over the safety of their drivers and the general public. This disregard for federal regulations puts everyone on the road at risk, as fatigued drivers are more likely to cause serious accidents.
After a Truck Accident Caused by Fatigue, You Deserve Justice
After a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. In Atlanta, victims of truck accidents can pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
To build a strong case, it is essential to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can investigate the incident, gather evidence of the driver’s fatigue, and hold the responsible parties accountable. Your attorney may:
- Examine the driver’s logbooks, employment records, and other documentation to demonstrate that the driver or trucking company violated HOS regulations
- Interview witnesses and gather statements to support your account of the accident
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash and the role that fatigue played in the incident
- Investigate the trucking company’s hiring practices, training programs, and safety records to identify any patterns of negligence or disregard for federal regulations
- Review the truck’s electronic data recorder or black box to uncover evidence of HOS violations, excessive speed, or other negligent behavior
Schedule a Free Consultation with Monge & Associates Today
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy or overworked truck driver, you need a lawyer who can hold the negligent driver or trucking company accountable for the harm they caused. The attorneys at Monge & Associates will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence of the driver’s fatigue, and fight to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (678) 535-3938 for a free case evaluation and begin your journey to recovery.