You are probably not surprised to hear that a fatigued driver is a dangerous driver. Operating any vehicle while tired is risky, but driving a commercial truck in such a condition can be deadly. As our Burien, WA truck accident lawyer explains, federal law actually dictates that drivers of tractor trailers and similar vehicles follow certain rules so that the chances of a tragic accident are reduced. These regulations outline the number of hours each day that a truck driver is permitted to drive. If you were recently hit by a commercial truck while in a passenger car, then we urge you to speak with our team at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC about seeking compensation from the responsible driver or other parties. You deserve payment for all that you have been through.
Truck drivers who are fatigued and choose to operate a commercial truck anyway are putting the general public at risk of harm. Being tired negatively impacts cognitive abilities that are required for driving safely. Fatigue can cause a shorter attention span, longer reaction time, less ability to respond quickly to sudden changing road conditions, poor judgment, and increased irritability or aggressive driving. There are a few components for the hours of service rules. These regulations are set in plan to encourage drivers to get adequate rest and make sure their desire for profits and arriving at a destination early does not overshadow safety measures. Examples of hours of service rules include:
The 11-hour rule: during 14 hours, 3 hours must be spent doing other things aside from operating the tractor trailer.
The 14-hour rule: when a driver starts a shift, they have 14 hours to finish their assigned tasks.
The 60/70-hour rule: for any duration of around 1 week, the driver is not permitted to operate the vehicle if they have been on duty for 60 or 70 hours.
There are many indicators of truck driver fatigue, such as nodding off, driving too slowly compared to the speed of other vehicles, and inability to stay in their lane. If you noticed the truck driver engaged in any of these behaviors moments before the crash, there is a good chance they were too tired to drive safely. If you suspect that truck driver fatigue could have contributed to the accident, let our dedicated truck accident attorney know so they can investigate further.
Truck drivers owe a duty of care to the public to only drive commercial trucks when they are well-rested enough to do so. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we have seen the devastating impacts that commercial truck accidents can have on victims. If this is what you are currently going through, then you may be owed substantial compensation for your suffering. We can take the lead on pursuing compensation for your damages and losses right away. Please do not hesitate to contact our WA truck accident attorney today for immediate support.
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