What Are the Signs of Truck Driver Fatigue?
Because many truck drivers and trucking companies violate Hours of Service regulations to meet strict deadlines, truck driver fatigue is often a serious problem. Fatigue can impair a truck driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle and, in some cases, can even cause the driver to fall asleep at the wheel.
If you are driving near a truck and you notice any of the signs below, you should stay as far away from the truck as possible and report the driver to the authorities:
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Driving on the shoulder
- Drifting into other lanes
- Slow reaction time
- Driving at an inconsistent speed
- Stopping suddenly for no reason
- Driving on rumble strips
- Yawning or blinking excessively
- Difficulty focusing on the road
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven
How Does Truck Driver Fatigue Cause Accidents?
When a truck driver is fatigued, they are unable to safely operate their vehicle. Fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road, slow their reaction time, and even cause them to fall asleep while driving. All of these factors can cause a serious truck accident.
When a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, they do not have a chance to react to changes in the road or traffic conditions. This can cause them to crash into other vehicles, objects on the road, or even pedestrians. Falling asleep at the wheel can also cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, jackknife, or rollover.
Truck driver fatigue can also impair a truck driver’s ability to make safe driving decisions. For example, a fatigued truck driver may make a poor decision about when to change lanes, when to merge, or when to pass. These poor decisions can cause serious accidents, especially when a truck is involved.
Additionally, a fatigued truck driver may not be able to respond to traffic signals, changes in traffic, or changes in weather conditions as quickly as they should. This can cause them to collide with other vehicles, run red lights, or cause other types of accidents.
Truck driver fatigue can cause a wide range of truck accidents, including:
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
- Runaway trailer accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Wide turn accidents
- Override accidents
- Override accidents
How Can Trucking Companies Be Held Accountable for Fatigue-Related Accidents?
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers. If you were injured in a truck accident, our attorneys can help you investigate the cause of the accident and determine if truck driver fatigue was to blame. If it was, we can help you take legal action against the truck driver and their employer.
Truck drivers are considered employees of the trucking company they work for, so their employers can be held liable for their actions. Under a legal doctrine known as “respondeat superior,” trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees. This means that if a truck driver is fatigued and causes an accident, their employer can be held liable for the resulting damages.
Trucking companies can also be held directly liable for accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers. If a trucking company fails to comply with Hours of Service regulations or otherwise allows or requires their drivers to driver while fatigued, they can be held accountable for the resulting damages.
Trucking companies are required to carry liability insurance to cover accidents caused by their drivers. While this insurance can help cover the cost of damages, it can be difficult to obtain the full and fair compensation you are owed. You can rely on our truck accident attorneys to fight for your rights and help you secure the maximum recovery you are owed.
How Can Our Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys Help You?
If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Truck accident claims are complex and can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are trying to recover from serious injuries. Our attorneys can guide you through the legal process and handle all the details of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.
Our trucker fatigue lawyers in Dallas have successfully handled thousands of cases and have earned a reputation for our exceptional legal services and compassionate client care. We are not afraid to take on large trucking companies and their insurance providers, and we are prepared to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Call our office at (214) 307-6307 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our trucker fatigue lawyers in Dallas. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
