Because truck drivers have to travel such a long-distance, they often succumb to truck driver fatigue. When this occurs, the truck driver can easily make mistakes because of their inability to stay focused on the road. They have a slower response time and may misjudge situations, making it easier to crash. If you were in a recent truck accident due to the trucker being fatigued, get representation from an attorney who can help you obtain fair compensation. Our team is experienced and has the resources to direct you through this difficult time. Call The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran for a free consultation in Encino, CA.
How Are Accidents Caused By Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck drivers can get into terrible traffic accidents due to fatigue for the following reasons:
Dozing Off At The Wheel
The truck driver may have completely fallen asleep for a few seconds before snapping back awake. Anything could happen during the few seconds they weren’t conscious; for example, they can completely lose control of their vehicle.
Swaying Out Of Their Lane
Fatigued truck drivers may be unable to focus and sway in and out of their lane as they struggle to stay awake, putting them at risk of slamming into cars in the lanes beside them.
Tunnel Vision
When tired, the truck driver may start to develop tunnel vision. They are then unable to notice stimuli happening on either side of them and are only focused in front of them. This prevents them from reacting to events happening around them.
Slow Reactions To Road Conditions
The roads are unpredictable, and in addition to the behavior of other drivers, they can have obstacles, poor weather conditions, and wild animals. When too sleepy, the truck driver can react too slowly to road conditions.
Substance Abuse
If the truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can be sluggish and cognitively impaired. This prevents them from being able to drive safely.
How Can My Attorney Prove The Truck Driver Was Fatigued?
With the help of your truck driver accident lawyer, you can depend on their investigative skills to help deliver strong evidence to support your claim.
Police Report
Your truck accident attorney can request the uncensored police report that has information on how the truck driver behaved during the accident. They may have been swaying on their feet, had bloodshot eyes, or were frequently yawning. These are all signs of truck driver fatigue.
Truck Driver’s Logbook
Because truck drivers must take regularly scheduled breaks, their logbook will have notes on when those times were skipped. The truck driver’s logbook may hold evidence about why they were fatigued.
Urine Tests
If the police officer believed the truck driver to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may administer a breathalyzer, urine, or drug test to confirm this. Your attorney can retrieve this information later on.
Do I Have A Strong Case Proving That The Truck Driver Is Fatigued And At Fault?
Get the help you deserve to prove that the truck driver was neglectful by being too fatigued to work. Your attorney can investigate your claim and calculate your damages so that you can initiate your settlement claim. With their help, your lawyer can negotiate the repayment of your economic and non-economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering. To find out more about getting started, call The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran for a free consultation in Encino, CA.