When a semi-truck driver falls asleep at the wheel it could have significant and even fatal consequences. To combat the devastating consequences of driver fatigue, the trucking industry generally must comply with specific rules and regulations in order to lawfully operate. Someone who has suffered severe injuries due to the non-compliance of a truck driver or a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel should contact a credible Glastonbury driver fatigue truck accident lawyer. A dedicated truck accident attorney could examine the different aspects surrounding the collision and work to hold irresponsible parties accountable for the damages you suffered. Call today and set up a time for an appointment to begin assessing your legal options.
Common Rules and Regulations to Prevent Fatigue in Truck Operators
Some scientific studies have indicated that driving while tired or fatigued is relative no different than operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The fatigued individual generally has similar impaired reaction time and poor decision-making skills to a drunk driver. These issues may largely contribute to dire consequences following a collision. The Department of Transportation has set strict regulations surrounding the trucking industry in an attempt to reduce the potential dangers of careless operation.
As a driver fatigue accident lawyer in Glastonbury could explain, truck drivers are generally governed by various rules and regulations intended to prevent fatigue, including the hours of service based on the vehicle. Federal hours-of-service rules state, for example, that a driver typically cannot drive more than 11 hours at a time. They usually must stop and be off-duty for 10 consecutive hours before they are allowed to resume driving.
They also are required to take rest breaks at least every eight hours and the breaks should be at least 30 minutes long. This rule does not generally apply to drivers of short-haul trucks. Additionally, drivers may not drive after 60 to 70 hours of being on duty for 78 consecutive days. A driver may restart the 78-day period after taking 34 hours off. Furthermore, there is a 14-hour driving limit in which a driver may not drive more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty following 10 hours of off-duty time.
Logging Hours
To help maintain compliance with industry and government regulations, truck drivers are generally required to log their hours and keep that log in their truck. Logging hour can be carried out in multiple ways. Two of the most mainstream ways include a hand-written form or an automatic on-board recording device which is an electronic log-in device.
Leading Cause of Driver Fatigue
The causes of truck driver fatigue are often more complicated than an operator feeling tired. In some cases, truck drivers may be pressured by their employer to get to their next destination or to get a load delivered quickly. As a result, some operators may not always operate within the rules and guidelines that apply to their occupation. When a truck driver operates negligently and causes an accident, a knowledgeable Glastonbury driver fatigue truck wreck attorney could help advocate on an injured person’s behalf by assessing the circumstances and working to seek compensation.
Establishing Liability
Following a collision due to driver fatigue, there may be more than one party who is liable for the crash. While the driver may be held liable, the trucking company may also be named in a lawsuit. A diligent attorney could examine the facts of the case and work to hold the parties who acted negligently responsible for their carelessness. For example, a trucking company may have knowingly hired an operator with an extensive history of driving in a fatigued state or may have hidden practices of pressuring drivers to operate outside the lines of industry and government compliance.
Contact a Professional Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Lawyer in Glastonbury
If you were injured in a tractor-trailer collision, it may be extremely beneficial to speak with a Glastonbury driver fatigue truck accident lawyer. Truck accidents are frequently caused by overtired drivers who are not taking the necessary precautions, as a result, they may liable for your injuries and property damage. Call today and schedule an appointment to discuss your potential legal strategies.
