James Frazier | | Truck Accident
Truck Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel and Causes an Accident

Consequences When a Truck Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel and Causes an Accident

The consequences can be devastating when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel. With some big rigs weighing up to 80,000 lbs., even a minor lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes. There are important things to consider in a truck accident where the driver fell asleep. These things include the risks associated with drowsy driving among truck drivers, the guidelines in place to mitigate these risks, the common causes of truck driver fatigue, and the steps to take if you’re involved in an accident with a drowsy truck driver.

Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel and Causes an Accident

The Devastating Impact of Drowsy Truck Drivers

Truck accidents involving drowsy or sleeping drivers are alarmingly common and often result in severe damage and fatalities. In 2018, there were 91,000 accidents caused by dozing or sleeping truck drivers, resulting in 800 deaths. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that any collision can have disastrous consequences, affecting not just property but entire lives.

Guidelines to Prevent Truck Driver Fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established several guidelines to reduce the incidence of truck driver fatigue. These regulations ensure that drivers get adequate rest and can perform their duties safely.

  • 60/70-Hour Limit: Truck drivers are limited to driving a maximum of 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days. After 34 consecutive hours off duty, they can restart their workweek.
  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can drive up to 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty.
  • 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: Drivers cannot operate a truck beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following a 10-hour off-duty period.
  • 30-Minute Mandatory Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving.

These regulations are designed to ensure that drivers have sufficient time to rest, eat, and sleep, reducing fatigue risk. However, these guidelines are not always adhered to, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel and Causes an Accident

Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue

Even with strict guidelines, several factors contribute to truck driver fatigue:

  • Simple Fatigue: Long hours on the road, inadequate sleep, and health issues can all lead to driver fatigue, even if regulations are followed.
  • Driver Wrongdoing: Some drivers, paid by the mile, may push themselves beyond the legal limits to increase their earnings, risking their safety and that of others on the road.
  • Company Pressure: Some trucking companies prioritize profit over safety, pressuring drivers to meet tight deadlines and exceed safe driving limits. In such cases, the company may be held liable for accidents.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Trucking Accident

If you are involved in an accident with a truck driver who may have fallen asleep, taking specific steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation is crucial.

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical care for any injuries immediately, and keep all medical records as evidence.
  2. Preserve Evidence: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene and collect contact information from witnesses. This evidence can be crucial in building your case.
  3. Contact an Attorney: Consult a semi-truck accident lawyer to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of trucking accident claims.
  4. Avoid Signing Anything: Do not sign any documents from the trucking company or insurance carrier without consulting your lawyer. They may try to settle for less than you deserve.
  5. Maintain Medical Records: Keep detailed records of your medical treatment and recovery process. These documents can support your claim for damages.
  6. Stay in Touch with Your Lawyer: Work closely with your attorney throughout the process. They will negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Victims of accidents caused by drowsy truck drivers have the right to seek compensation for their losses. This can be done through an insurance claim or, if necessary, a lawsuit. The types of damages you may be able to recover include:

Legal Recourse for Victims of Drowsy Truck Drivers

Victims of accidents caused by drowsy truck drivers have the right to seek compensation for their losses. This can be done through an insurance claim or, if necessary, a lawsuit. The types of damages you may be able to recover include:

  • Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate treatment, ongoing care, and future medical needs related to the accident.
  • Lost Income: Compensation for time missed at work and any reduced earning capacity due to lasting injuries.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property costs.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
  • Wrongful Death: For families who have lost a loved one, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Proving Liability in Drowsy Driving Accidents

To successfully claim compensation, you must prove that the truck driver’s drowsiness caused the accident. This involves demonstrating four key elements:

  • Duty of Care: The driver had a responsibility to operate the vehicle safely.
  • Breach of Duty: The driver breached this duty by driving while fatigued.
  • Causation: This breach directly caused the accident.
  • Damages: You suffered quantifiable losses as a result of the accident.

The police report, witness statements, video or photos of the crash, medical records, and expert testimony may all be used as evidence to support your claim.

Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Florida Injury Attorneys

Trust the Truck Accident Attorneys of Paul | Knopf |Bigger

Accidents caused by truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel are preventable tragedies that result in significant harm. By understanding the risks, adhering to safety guidelines, and knowing your rights, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are involved in such an accident, taking prompt legal action with the help of an experienced truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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