Truck drivers are essential to the economy at large and everyday life for many people, especially with increased online ordering as well as bulk buying at brick and mortar stores. While they may be a lifeline for many businesses and communities, long-distance truck drivers can also cause serious injuries and deaths. When truckers drive while drowsy or distracted, accidents are bound to occur.
Why Drowsy Truck Driving Occurs
Reaction time and awareness of hazards drop significantly when driving while tired, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites hundreds of deaths every year directly caused by drowsy driving.
Unfortunately, truck drivers are prone to drowsy driving due to the nature of their work. Without regular stoplights or side streets to look out for, long stretches of highway travel lull a driver into a hypnotic state.
That issue is often made worse because sleep deprivation is common among long-distance truck drivers. Due to cramped conditions and a tendency to sleep during the day, both quality and quantity of sleep are often reduced for truckers.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident
Because of the size of the vehicles involved, truck accidents tend to result in more serious injuries with higher medical costs and longer periods where you can’t work. An experienced Richmond personal injury attorney can help you get back on your feet by seeking compensation from the at-fault parties.
A personal injury attorney negotiates with your insurance carrier, the insurance company representing the at-fault driver, and the trucking company itself. That’s where an attorney is critical, as it may not just be the driver who is responsible for your accident.
By gathering evidence about the crash, an attorney may determine the trucking company owes you compensation due to negligence by:
- Scheduling drivers without adequate rest breaks
- Failing to train employees on driving limits and sleep schedules
- Not enforcing hour of service rules or punishing logbook violations
- Negligence in hiring drivers with medical conditions that cause drowsiness while driving
- Retaining drivers who don’t seek treatment for conditions like severe sleep apnea
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