Preserve evidence needed to prove your fatigued driver truck accident injury case.
Fatigued driving is a major contributing factor to many truck accidents. Evidence shows that long hours spent on the road can lead to increased drowsiness and decreased reaction time, thus increasing the potential for negligent driving. Our experienced Austin truck accident lawyers know how to pursue the evidence required to protect your rights.
Evidence collected from truck drivers suggests that fatigue-related accidents are more likely to occur late at night or in the early hours of the morning when drivers are feeling more tired than usual. Additionally, research has demonstrated that longer periods of time spent behind the wheel can lead to reduced alertness and higher levels of risk-taking behavior.
Truck drivers who experience fatigue while driving may be less able to respond quickly in hazardous situations or even fail to recognize hazards in time. This can easily lead to serious consequences such as rollovers or rear-end collisions, both of which can cause extensive damage due to their large size and weight. You will need to work to secure evidence to prove fault in the truck accident.
Fatigued driving causes truck accidents
The amount of sleep a driver needs varies from person to person but on average 8 hours per day is recommended by health professionals. Nevertheless, due to lack of rest stops, some truckers are forced into extended periods of driving which can be extremely dangerous and increase their risk for an accident.
Studies have shown that a lack of adequate sleep can create dangerous conditions for semi truck drivers. In order to drive safely and avoid fatigue-related accidents, the American Trucking Association recommends that drivers get between seven and nine hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Furthermore, they suggest that long distance drivers take regular breaks and stop for at least 30 minutes after every eight hours of driving.
The National Sleep Foundation has also investigated the correlation between sleep deprivation and semi truck safety. According to their research, truckers who get eight or fewer hours of sleep per day are two to four times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who get nine or more hours of rest each night. This increased risk likely comes from the fact that sleep deprivation causes individuals to become slower in reacting to situations on the road, as well as increases their likelihood of making risky decisions behind the wheel.
Finally, experts agree that getting proper rest can help reduce fatigue-related accidents. To ensure this, all semi truck drivers should make sure they get enough quality sleep before hopping into their vehicle for a long haul trip. Moreover, it is important for them to plan ahead and schedule adequate rest periods throughout their journey so that their ability to drive safely is not compromised by fatigue.
Moreover, studies have also indicated that fatigue is more pronounced among certain populations such as those who suffer from sleep apnea or other disorders that affect sleep quality and duration. In addition, those who use drugs or alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel may be impaired enough to make them at greater risk for fatigue-driven negligence while driving a truck. Obtaining a copy of the toxicology report is a good way to sure that this would be investigated.
What kind of accidents can occur due to fatigued driving?
Fatigued and driving while driving a truck is dangerous simply because of how severe the repercussions will be from causing an impact with a vehicle that large and heavy. It only takes a split second of inattention and a severe accident could occur. Some common accidents that result from fatigued driving include:
- Run off road truck accidents
- Blindspot truck accidents
- Rollover truck accidents
- Tire blowout truck accidents
- Jackknife truck accidents
The trucking company may be liable for making their truck driver drive while fatigued if the driver is involved in an accident. Evidence suggests that long hours spent on the road can lead to increased drowsiness and decreased reaction time, thus increasing the potential for negligent driving. If the trucking company required the driver to drive for long periods of time without adequate rest, they may be held responsible for any accidents that occur as a result.
Evidence of fatigued driving in truck accident injury cases
There is a wealth of evidence that can be used to prove negligence in a truck accident case due to fatigued driving. For example, log books, cell phone records, truck driver manuals, and dash cam footage can be used to show that the driver was behind the wheel for an excessive amount of time before an accident occurred. Evidence such as the bill of lading can be used to show that the driver was given unreasonable trip requirements. This data can also provide information on how many breaks the driver took during their journey, and whether they took any long naps or rest periods.
Furthermore, expert testimony from sleep specialists and medical professionals may be used to demonstrate the effects of sleep deprivation on a driver’s performance. Evidence such as blood tests or brain scans can help prove that fatigue had an impact on their decision-making abilities at the time of the accident, thus establishing negligence on behalf of the driver. An accident reconstruction can provide more of a view of how the accident occurred.
Additionally, witnesses who observed the accident may testify about whether they saw signs of fatigue such as yawning or slow reaction time prior to the crash. Furthermore, cell phone records and other documents placed into evidence can be used to demonstrate that the driver was using their phone while operating their vehicle despite knowing it could lead to an increase in distraction levels and decrease in alertness.
Using this type of evidence in conjunction with expert testimony can help establish culpability for a trucking company or driver in cases where negligence has played a role in an accident involving a commercial vehicle. As such, it is important for attorneys to collect all available evidence when mounting a case against those responsible for fatigued driving incidents.
Ultimately, it is clear that driving while fatigued can be considered negligence if it results in an accident causing injury or death. Evidence shows that getting adequate rest before beginning any long haul trip is essential for maintaining safe roads and avoiding serious incidents caused by fatigued drivers. All truck drivers should strive to follow all safety protocols outlined by the American Trucking Association in order to avoid potential negligence charges if something goes wrong on the road as a result of fatigue-related negligence.
All aspects considered, it is clear that fatigued driving is a critical issue when it comes to truck accidents and should not be overlooked when it comes to potential causes for these tragedies. Evidence suggests that taking measures such as limiting work hours and ensuring adequate rest stops can help reduce this problem significantly and ensure safer roads for all motorists alike.
Contact Fletcher Law To Hold The Truck Company Liable
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident injury case and believe that the driver was fatigued or driving while tired, contact our Austin personal injury lawyers to discuss your legal options. Drivers who operate commercial vehicles while fatigued may be guilty of negligence and potentially liable for any resulting injuries and damages.
Our experienced Austin truck accident lawyers are well-versed in all aspects of truck accident claims and can use data, expert testimony, and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf. We understand the serious nature of these cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.