In recent years, it has become more obvious just how dangerous it can be for someone to get behind the wheel of a car when they are tired. The dangers of driver fatigue are even more pronounced when that tired driver is behind a large, heavy vehicle like a truck. If a truck driver hits someone when they are tired, they may not be the only liable party. Their employer can also be held accountable in some situations. A New Jersey auto accident lawyer from our firm can tell you who you should pursue for damages once they take a closer look at your case.
Why is Driver Fatigue So Dangerous in Trucks?
When drivers get tired, they can make mistakes that they normally would not make. They might not be able to react to changing traffic conditions in time. Driver fatigue is especially dangerous in trucks because of the size and weight of these vehicles. They already have longer stopping distances and can cause plenty of damage in accidents. Add in driver fatigue and you have a recipe for disaster.
Are There Rules for Addressing Driver Fatigue?
The federal government is well aware of the dangers of driver fatigue. This is why there are actually rules about how long a truck driver can be on the road for. They must take breaks at certain times and they can only be active for so long without a substantial rest period.
Drivers who ignore these rules put everyone else on the road in danger. Some drivers also take drugs to offset their fatigue, but that does not really work. If anything, it makes driving alongside them even more of a hazard.
Could I Sue a Driver and the Trucking Company?
Now if a driver is negligent and pushes past their legal number of driving hours, they should obviously be held accountable for the damage that they caused. Sometimes they are not the only irresponsible party though.
What if a trucking company, in its effort to boost profits and make on-time deliveries, is fine with going over the maximum amount of driving hours? Then they should be held liable as well. Whether they are actively encouraging drivers to exceed their hours or they are ignoring clearly fraudulent reports, they are putting others in danger.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
A personal injury lawyer can help you in some key ways. An attorney from our firm will:
- Handle all communications for you
- Calculate fair compensation
- Gather evidence
- Defend you from accusations of fault or wrongdoing
- Prepare you for testimony
While you do not have to hire a lawyer when you pursue damages in a case like this, we highly recommend having one by your side.
Talk to Our Legal Team Today
If you are ready to move forward with a personal injury suit of your own, contact the Law Office of Craig M. Rothenberg. Our team can schedule a consultation and tell you more about the potential value of your case. We are ready to help you hold all negligent parties responsible for the harm that they cause.
