Fatigued Truck Drivers Pose Risk to Motorists

People who drive semi-trucks professionally often drive thousands of miles each week across seemingly endless highways and interstates. This kind of work can be exhausting and repetitive, making truck drivers particularly prone to driver fatigue and distraction. In order to combat these issues, the federal government has issued regulations aimed at ensuring that drivers get enough rest to drive safely. Unfortunately, these regulations are not always followed, and drivers are often incentivized by companies and customers to falsify their logbooks. Anyone who believes that they have been injured by a fatigued truck driver should consult with an experienced trucking attorney to determine whether they have a claim.

                                    
Driver fatigue can affect truck drivers in a number of ways that can create risks for other motorists. Some of the more common symptoms of driver fatigue include the following:

  • Trouble focusing
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Problems concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Lack of judgment
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Wandering thoughts
  • Heavy eyes

As one can imagine, a driver experiencing these issues is at a greater risk for causing an accident. After an accident with a truck driver, it is important to review his or her logbook in order to determine whether the driver was in compliance with the applicable hours-of-service regulations. An attorney who understands these regulations will be able to review the relevant information and determine whether the log book is accurate or whether there is evidence that it may have been falsified. If the truck driver was not in compliance with hours-of-service regulations when the accident occurred, it may be sufficient to establish legal liability for any injuries that occurred in an accident.

Contact a Newnan Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that you believe was caused by a fatigued semi-truck driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656

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