People who drive commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks often keep grueling schedules that involve driving for several hours at a time. Because driver fatigue has been shown to have a significant adverse impact on a person’s ability to drive, the federal government limits the hours that a truck driver may drive in a given period. When driver fatigue causes a crash, victims may be able to recover for their losses by bringing a personal injury claim against the driver or trucking company responsible for their injuries. An experienced truck accident lawyer from Shane Smith Law can help you make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
The federal regulations that limit the number of hours a truck driver may drive are known as hours-of-service regulations. While they can be fairly complicated, one bright-line rule found in these regulations limits the number of hours a driver may drive in a given day to 11 hours. These regulations may not be sufficient to protect the public, however, as research conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that truck drivers who drive for more than 8 hours in a day are twice as likely to crash.
Fatigued drivers can be extremely dangerous to themselves and others on the roads. Some of the ways that fatigue can affect a person’s ability to drive include:
- Impaired judgment
- Slowed reaction time
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired motor skills
- Memory problems
The types of damages available after a truck accident caused by driver fatigue may include compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and property damage, among others. The best way to ensure that you receive the full value of your claim is to retain the services of an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a Peachtree City Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue or noncompliance with federal regulations can have devastating results for victims. The attorneys of Shane Smith Law are here to help. We are dedicated to helping the victims of negligence recover from their injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, call us today at (980) 246-2656.