It is not uncommon for truckers to drive while tired, given the number of hours they spend on the road and the length of their shifts. Fatigued tractor-trailer operators are far more likely to cause vehicle collisions, which can have devastating consequences, especially at highway speeds.

If you wish to pursue compensation after a fatigued truck driver accident in Saline, you need the help of a qualified lawyer. Our legal team at Charles Boyk Law can help you build a robust case against the driver or their employer.

How Fatigue Increases the Risk of Traffic Accidents

Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous—if not more so—than driving while drunk or intoxicated by drugs. Various studies have shown that driving without adequate sleep impairs reaction time and decision-making to the same degree that alcohol consumption can. Unfortunately, long-haul truckers are particularly susceptible to tiredness on the road.

What Laws Are in Place to Prevent Crashes Caused by Exhaustion?

To mitigate the risk of truck accidents caused by fatigue, federal regulatory bodies have imposed various restrictions on the following:

• Amount of time truck operators can drive within a several-day period
• Number of hours truckers can drive consecutively without stopping for a break
• Length of mandated breaks before truckers can get back on the road

However, individual truckers and their employers often ignore these rules to save time on deliveries, thereby putting everyone’s safety at risk for the sake of potential financial gain.

Establishing Liability for a Crash Caused by a Tired Trucker in Saline

Proving someone else is at fault for an exhausted truck driver collision requires substantial investigation and analysis of various types of evidence, including police reports, potentially doctored company records, surveillance or dashboard camera footage, and eyewitness testimony. Ultimately, you must establish that the trucker or trucking company involved was directly responsible for the wreck due to some negligent behavior.

For example, a trucker who veered into another highway lane and collided with another vehicle might be to blame for ensuing damages if they failed to take mandatory breaks and fell asleep behind the wheel. Likewise, a trucking company may be considered negligent if it forces its employees to take longer shifts than permitted by federal law.

Speak with a Saline Attorney About Recovering from a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident

Fatigued driving is much more dangerous than most people assume. When operating a multi-ton vehicle at highway speeds, exhausted driving is even riskier. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries to anyone involved, especially pedestrians and individuals in small commuter cars.

However, it can be difficult to establish fatigue as the root cause of a crash that led to serious injuries. As such, we recommend that you pursue your claim with a skilled legal representative from our law firm.

A dedicated lawyer can be an important resource during every stage of litigation. Contact us today if you were in a fatigued truck driver accident in Saline. Get started with your free, confidential consultation to learn more about your options.