Injured by a fatigued truck driver? Know your legal options for compensation.

 Posted on May 12, 2017 in Truck Accidents

One of the most common reasons for trucking accidents in Texas is fatigue. Truck drivers face stiff deadlines when it comes to reaching their destinations. As a result, they usually feel the pressure to stay behind the wheel longer than permitted. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles in one sitting.

When truck drivers fail to take time to rest, this can lead to extreme fatigue. Unfortunately, the fatigue can end up causing a serious accident leading to injuries. If you have been hurt in a truck accident caused by fatigue, you have the right to pursue compensation.

Why is fatigue such a problem?

Fatigued motorists face issues such as decreased alertness and delayed reaction times. They also have slower reflexes and find it difficult to process information. When drivers of trucks are tired, they generally do not react properly to traffic conditions that are constantly changing. Because their compromised reflexes, they may not be able to steer or press the brake quickly enough to avoid a crash.

What truck drivers should do when tired

Federal regulations are designed to prevent fatigue among truck drivers by placing a limit on how many hours these drivers can operate their trucks in a single period, also known as their hours of service. Thus, drivers are really supposed to stop driving and take time to sleep after reaching this limit. However, drivers often exceed the limit without resting, and this has led to devastating accidents.

In some cases, truck operators try to hide their violations by recording fake data in their logbooks. This is why it is important to investigate drivers' logbooks in a civil case involving driver fatigue.

Civil suit

If a fatigued truck driver in Texas has hurt you, you may file a personal injury claim against the driver and his or her employer, seeking damages. In a successfully fought lawsuit, you may receive damages that can help to cover your medical expenses, including your doctor and hospital visits, as well as ambulance fees. Monetary damages may also help to cover any lost wages and any lost earning capacity resulting from impairments caused by the accident.

In addition, compensation may help with addressing pain and suffering and emotional distress stemming from the truck accident.

To ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve, it is important that you speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.