There were 4,657 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2017, according to early-release data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. One of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents is driver fatigue. Victims in these crashes often sustain serious injuries. Initiating a personal injury lawsuit may be the only option to protect you and your family’s wellbeing. Discuss your right to compensation with a skilled driver fatigue truck accident attorney at The Simon Law Firm. Call (404) 259-7635 today and schedule a free case evaluation.
Fatigued driving is a form of impairment caused by a lack of sleep, that drastically affects a driver’s ability to operate a truck or motor vehicle safely. The result of driving while tired or drowsy can be:
Truck drivers in Georgia are often under an immense amount of pressure from their employers to meet deadlines. While transporting items from destination to destination in a quick and efficient manner is important, in doing so, drivers frequently engage in the dangerous behavior of driving when they are far too tired to navigate the roads safely.
A branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), have set rules and regulations on truck drivers’ hours-of-service:
14 Hour “Driving Window:” Truck drivers may not work more than 14 consecutive hours, following at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
11 Hour Driving Limit: Truckers can drive a maximum of 11 consecutive driving hours during the 14-hour driving window, after having 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
Breaks: A 30-minute break is required after 8 hours, drivers must tally 10 hours of rest while off-duty.
60-Hour/7-Day: Truck drivers may not drive more than 60 hours in seven days on-duty.
70-Hour/8-Day: Truckers may not drive more than 70 hours in eight days on-duty.
Drivers are required to record their breaks and driving time in a log book. Although these rules and regulations have helped reduce the number of accidents due to truck driver fatigue, the issue has not been eliminated.
When you hire an Atlanta truck accident attorney, you will have an entire team working to get you through the legal process of dealing with your injury or loved one’s death. On your behalf, a lawyer can:
If you or a loved one has been injured by a fatigued truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses in which you have endured. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta accident attorneys at The Simon Law Firm.
