There are many potential hazards that can lead to a commercial truck accident, but few are as dangerous as fatigue. Tired drivers lack the response time and decision-making ability to avoid collisions in many cases. Unfortunately, the nature of the trucking industry is that there are financial motivations for staying on the road longer than is safe.
If you were hurt in a fatigued truck driver in Beaumont accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation. The federal government has rules in place to prevent fatigued driving, and a dedicated truck crash attorney can use those regulations in your favor when pursuing a personal injury claim.
The Risks of Driving While Fatigued
In many ways, fatigued driving is as dangerous as impaired driving. It is a leading cause of accidents, especially among commercial drivers who spend long hours on the road each day. Some of the different ways fatigue can lead to truck accidents in Beaumont include the following.
Slow Reaction Times
Safe driving requires quickly adjusting to road hazards and changing conditions. Reacting to avoid these hazards is especially important for commercial drivers, given that large trucks are difficult to maneuver under the best circumstances.
Reduced Attention Span
Drivers who are tired are more likely to become distracted and face an increased risk of failing to notice a dangerous hazard. This reduced vigilance can combine with slow reaction times to lead to a collision that most drivers could have avoided.
Reduced Cognitive Function
When truck operators are tired, their brain is impaired in a way that is similar to intoxication. It struggles to process and interpret information, including changing road conditions or unexpected hazards.
Falling Asleep
The most significant risk when it comes to driving while fatigued is the risk of a truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel. An out-of-control commercial vehicle can have catastrophic consequences, potentially striking numerous vehicles or pedestrians before coming to a stop. Even dozing off for a matter of moments could be enough to cause a driver to lose control and collide with someone else.
Violations of Rest Rules is Evidence of Negligence
In order for an injury victim to recover compensation after a truck accident, they will need proof of negligence. Negligent truck drivers and potentially their employers could be on the hook for any damages that occur when they cause a crash.
In general, negligence is a careless or reckless act that leads to someone else’s injury. Driving while fatigued is a primary example of negligent behavior. Because of this, it is possible to build a case for compensation by establishing that the truck driver violated the rules set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Under the FMCSA, it is illegal to spend more than 11 hours on the road during any 24-hour period. A driver must take at least 10 hours of rest after a long session behind the wheel. There are also rules regarding the amount of time driving during any seven-day period. The failure to comply with these rules can lead to a fatigued truck driver accident in Beaumont.
Talk to a Lawyer in Beaumont About Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents
If you have been hurt in a commercial vehicle crash, fatigue could have played a role in your accident. It is possible to recover damages from fatigued truck drivers in Beaumont accidents, especially with the help of seasoned legal counsel.
Let an attorney guide you through every stage of the legal process. Before you accept a settlement offer or file an insurance claim, we can advise you of your options. Reach out for a confidential case review today.
