Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents in Hammond
While most people are aware of how dangerous drinking and driving can be, driving while exhausted also carries significant risks. Given how much fatigue decreases reaction time, attention span, and decision-making capacity, many experts theorize that a person who drives while overtired is just as impaired as a person who drives while intoxicated.
Truckers work long hours and are sometimes encouraged by their employers to skirt federal regulations regarding maximum driving time. Unfortunately, this makes them particularly susceptible to causing fatigue-related accidents. If you were injured in this type of traffic collision, call a skilled attorney with experienced handling fatigued truck driver accidents in Hammond.
Commercial Truck Driving Regulations
Under the rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truckers are only allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 consecutive hours without a rest period of more than half an hour. Additionally, they may only spend a maximum of 14 hours in a single day on the road followed by a rest period of at least 10 hours.
However, even drivers that follow these guidelines can still become exhausted during long stints on the road, greatly impairing their ability to safely operate their vehicles. Occasionally, truck drivers in Hammond will resort to chemical stimulants and controlled substances in an attempt to avoid fatigue while driving, many of which have side effects that increase the odds of a crash occurring.
Liability for Fatigued Trucking Accidents in Hammond
Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is no state or federal law that criminalizes driving while fatigued. In a civil case, this can sometimes make it tricky to argue that a truck driver’s fatigue directly caused a plaintiff’s damages. Unfortunately, a police report following a traffic crash generally will not mention the tiredness of the trucker involved.
However, an experienced lawyer in the area can help collect both qualitative and quantitative evidence of truck driver fatigue. This could include:
- Surveillance and dashcam footage
- Testimony from witnesses to the incident
- Employer records of driving time
- Input from accident reconstruction experts
A skilled local attorney can also work to demonstrate that an injured plaintiff was not negligent in causing the truck wreck, and therefore not partially liable for their own damages.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable for Overworked Employees
Sadly, trucking companies motivated by tight profit margins often do whatever they can to maximize the amount of time their drivers spend on the road. Sometimes, they may even force their truckers to violate federal driving time regulations. In these scenarios, a savvy attorney can advise on holding a trucking company vicariously liable for their employee’s tiredness, or directly liable for violating federal laws.
Call an Attorney to Seek Damages for Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents in Hammond
Physical fatigue is particularly dangerous for commercial truck drivers, as their jobs require them to pay close attention to their surroundings for long periods of time. Unfortunately, fatigued truck driver accidents in Hammond are often catastrophic for everybody involved
A trucker’s tiredness could potentially serve as grounds for civil litigation, but you will likely need help from a dedicated lawyer to recover adequate compensation for your losses. Get in touch with our firm today to learn what kind of assistance an attorney can provide in your situation.