Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue and How to Recognize It
Truck driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in the United States. When drivers are running on little sleep, they cannot focus on the road ahead and are more likely to get into an accident. If you were recently hit by a drowsy truck driver, you should get in touch with a Texas personal injury lawyer promptly to talk about your case.
Common Reasons for Truck Driver Fatigue
There are several reasons why truck drivers may become drowsy. For one thing, they often drive 11 consecutive hours in a row. That is a great deal of driving for anyone and can become exhausting after a while. Since truck drivers do not work regular hours, they may have trouble establishing a regular sleeping schedule. These drivers may have difficulty falling or staying asleep, so they wake up tired. Sometimes truck drivers take sleeping pills to help them fall asleep easier. Unfortunately, sleep aids can cause grogginess and impair judgment, increasing the risk of accidents. Some truck drivers may get behind on their deliveries and drive longer than federal guidelines suggest they do.
How to Spot a Fatigued Truck Driver
It is scary to think about getting into a collision with a fatigued truck driver. However, if you learn to recognize the signs of a drowsy driver, you can steer clear of them. Here are a few indicators of a fatigued truck driver.
- Hitting the brakes all the time
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Yawning often
- Speeding up and slowing down frequently
- Hitting a rumble strip
Determining Liable Parties for Truck Accidents
If you were hurt in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, the truck driver might not be the only responsible party. If it can be determined that the trucking company pressured drivers to drive longer hours than federal regulations recommended, the company may be held legally responsible for the damages. If the accident was partially due to defective equipment, the manufacturer can also be held liable.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a truck accident, you should get in touch with a New Braunfels, TX personal injury lawyer. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we know how devastating the effects of a truck collision can be and want to help you pursue compensation. We encourage you to call us at 830-443-9193 to schedule a free consultation.
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