Any time people get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they need to give their driving duties their full attention. All drivers must ensure they follow all rules of the road and stay aware of changes in traffic conditions. If the driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial vehicle, they have a heightened duty of care to drive responsibly. Commercial truck drivers should not drive when they are tired. However, even though they should be preventable, fatigued truck drivers in Florence accidents occasionally occur.
If you believe a truck driver crashed into you or your family member because they were overly tired, you might have grounds to pursue a lawsuit. Our well-versed truck accident attorneys can meet with you to explain the legal process.
Reasons Why Truckers Get Tired
Due to the nature of the trucking industry, truck drivers frequently work alone for long shifts. They often drive on monotonous routes on highways. Long hours alone on boring routes in Florence can cause a trucker to be tired, which could lead to a crash. The federal government recognizes the dangers of driver fatigue and enforces regulations designed to minimize the risk of fatigue-related crashes. These regulations require drivers to limit their time on the road, rest for mandatory periods, and adhere to weekly driving hour caps.
Unfortunately, trucking companies are often more interested in their profits than in ensuring driver safety. Companies know they will receive more money if their cargo gets to its destination faster. Consequently, trucking companies often pressure drivers to exceed their mandated driving hours. Some trucking companies reward their drivers with extra pay for completing their routes faster. Other companies set unrealistic deadlines that force their truck drivers to drive for too long in order to keep their jobs.
Our local lawyers can investigate to determine if the trucking company’s express or implied policies contributed to the truck driver’s fatigue.
Consequences of Fatigued Truck Driving
Driving a vehicle while tired can severely impair a motorist’s ability to operate it safely. Being tired while behind the wheel has a similar effect on a motorist’s driving abilities as alcohol or drugs. A drowsy driver has less control of their vehicle. As they fight to stay awake, they stop giving their driving duties their full attention. Fatigue can make drivers react more slowly. In an emergency, a tired driver may fail to react quickly enough to prevent a crash. Drowsy drivers also have impaired judgment. They might not even recognize the severity of a situation until it is too late.
When a drowsy motorist drives a semi-truck, the consequences can be devastating, as trucks can crush smaller vehicles, causing severe injuries and fatalities.
Our attorneys in Florence understand the devastating consequences that truck crashes caused by fatigue can have. We aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
Contact a Florence Attorney After a Trucking Crash Involving a Fatigued Driver
Nobody should drive while tired, particularly when they are driving a massive big rig. Unfortunately, fatigued truck drivers in Florence accidents occur. If you believe fatigue played a role in your accident, you probably have a great deal of questions. Our attorneys can help you search for answers and fight aggressively for a satisfactory resolution of your lawsuit. Contact us for your free consultation.
