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  6.  | Accidents Caused By Truck Driver Fatigue

Was Your Accident Caused By Truck Driver Fatigue?

Despite regulations that limit the hours a driver can operate a vehicle without taking a break, many truckers and trucking companies push the limits of these rules — or ignore them altogether. After all, many trucking companies would prefer to keep their vehicles on the road for as long as possible to maximize their profits.

Unfortunately for the rest of us, truck drivers may not be fully alert if they try to stay behind the wheel instead of taking proper rest breaks, which in turn puts everyone else at risk of serious injury or even death.

Dedicated Legal Advocates For Victims Of Truck Accidents

Duffield, Lovejoy & Boggs, Attorneys at Law, vigorously represents people who have been harmed by the negligence of trucking companies and truck drivers. Our lawyers have extensive experience in this field and are highly knowledgeable in personal injury law. Simply put, we are determined to obtain the best possible result for every client.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident involving a fatigued truck driver, contact us for a FREE legal consultation. You can reach us online or by phone at 304-247-9396, or toll free at 304-247-9396. While our office is located in Huntington, we help accident victims throughout West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio.

Driver Fatigue Is A Serious Problem

Truck driver fatigue is one of the main causes of trucking-related accidents in the U.S. — with some studies indicating that it causes roughly 40 percent of all trucking collisions. Below are some of the factors that can affect the alertness of truck drivers:

  • Lack of sleep — A study reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that a driver who goes 24 hours without sleep is as impaired as a driver with a blood alcohol content of .10 percent, which is well above the level permitted by West Virginia law.
  • Whether it is day or night — People on a regular sleep schedule normally feel drowsy between midnight and 6 a.m. and between 2 and 4 p.m.
  • Driving within one hour of waking up — Many long-haul truck drivers work in teams. One driver operates the truck while the other sleeps in the cab’s bunk. When they swap places, the second driver may not be fully alert.
  • Medications — Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can significantly affect the reaction time of a truck driver.

Seeking Full Compensation For Your Losses And Suffering

No matter the circumstances, our lawyers will act quickly to investigate your accident and determine how it happened. We will calculate financial losses, place a value on your pain and suffering, and seek full compensation for you in settlement negotiations or in court.