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915-544-5200El Paso Lawyer for Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents
Trusted Representation For Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Victims in El Paso
Commercial truck drivers play a crucial role in the transportation industry, delivering goods across the country and keeping our economy moving. However, the demanding nature of their job often leads to long hours on the road, which can result in driver fatigue. When truck drivers become fatigued or drowsy behind the wheel, they pose a significant risk to themselves and other motorists.
Driver fatigue can impair a truck driver's ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions, maintain control of their vehicle, and make sound decisions on the road. According to studies conducted by organizations such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of accidents involving commercial trucks.
When a truck wreck has been caused by a tired truck driver, an experienced personal injury attorney can work to ensure that the driver and their employer will be held liable for causing you and your family to suffer harm. At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we have represented injury victims in many commercial truck accident cases in El Paso and the surrounding areas. We know what it takes to win these cases, and we will fight to make sure you will be able to recover maximum compensation for the damages you have suffered.
The Dangers of Driver Fatigue
Fatigue affects every aspect of a driver's performance. Their cognitive function decreases, their reaction times slow, and their decision-making abilities suffer greatly. For commercial truck drivers who are responsible for operating large vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded with cargo, these impairments will significantly increase the risks of dangerous truck wrecks and serious or catastrophic injuries for people traveling in smaller passenger cars.
In some cases, when drivers fail to get adequate rest, it can cause them to momentarily drift off at the wheel or even completely fall asleep. When a driver becomes unconscious while operating a large truck, they may run off the road, fail to stop at intersections, collide with other vehicles from behind, or cause other types of dangerous collisions.
Common Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue
A variety of factors can contribute to truck driver fatigue, including:
- Long hours: Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and tight deadlines that require long hours on the road. The pressure to deliver goods on time can lead to inadequate rest and sleep deprivation.
- Irregular sleep patterns: Many truck drivers work overnight shifts or irregular hours, which can disrupt their natural sleep patterns. This can result in poor quality sleep or insufficient rest.
- Lack of breaks: Federal regulations mandate specific break times and rest periods for commercial truck drivers. However, some drivers may forego these breaks in an attempt to meet delivery deadlines, leading to increased fatigue.
- Poor health habits: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking can contribute to overall fatigue levels for truck drivers.
Protecting Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
With multiple decades of experience representing victims of motor vehicle accidents and other types of injuries, Attorney James Kennedy knows how to ensure that you can recover the full compensation you deserve from the driver or other parties responsible for causing a truck wreck. Our team will investigate the causes of your accident, gathering evidence such as logbooks, electronic data recorders, and surveillance footage if available. We will take all necessary steps to establish that driver fatigue was responsible for causing the collision. When necessary, we consult with experts who specialize in accident reconstruction or medical professionals who can testify about the impact of driver exhaustion on a truck driver's reaction times and decision-making abilities.
We will build a strong case on your behalf by demonstrating that the negligent actions of a fatigued driver directly caused you to suffer injuries and other damages. Our goal is to seek maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages you have incurred as a result of the accident.
Contact Our El Paso, TX Truck Accident Attorney for Driver Fatigue
To ensure that you will be properly compensated for a truck accident involving driver fatigue, contact James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. today. We will work to ensure that a negligent truck driver who drove while fatigued and a trucking company that failed to ensure its drivers were properly rested will be held responsible for practices that caused you to suffer harm. We will provide you with compassionate legal representation every step of the way while fighting for your rights and ensuring that you will have the financial resources you need.
To schedule your complimentary consultation, call us at 915-544-5200 or fill out our online contact form. Remember, time is crucial when investigating your accident, preserving evidence, and taking legal action to seek compensation for your injuries, so we encourage you to reach out to us today.