Driving when you are tired is extremely reckless behavior. In fact, researchers have compared fatigued driving to the dangers of drunk driving. When truck drivers are tired, their reaction time is impaired, and they are more likely to cause an accident. Although trucking industry drivers work long hours and spend many hours in their cab, they are required to abide by limitations as to consecutive hours behind the wheel. These are limitations the trucking companies are required to enforce. Yet, notwithstanding these rules, truckers frequently drive through the night and skip breaks, placing other drivers and occupants at serious risk.

When a truck driver is negligent and causes a wreck resulting in your injuries, you have a right to take legal action. Our team of diligent truck crash attorneys at Dannheisser Injury Law can help you file a civil claim seeking financial recovery. Our dedicated lawyers have experience seeking comprehensive compensation from fatigued truck drivers in Sarasota accidents. In some cases, the trucking company may also be liable. We will ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice for the harm they caused you to suffer.

Semi-Truck Crashes Caused by Fatigued Drivers

Getting behind the wheel without having enough sleep is dangerous for any driver. Since commercial trucks are significantly larger than other vehicles on the road, when a trucker is overly tired, it can cause devastating accidents. Fatigue impairs the trucker’s concentration, reaction, and decision-making skills. Not only can a fatigued truck driver fall asleep at the wheel, but fatigue also frequently results in:

  • Tunnel vision
  • Forgetfulness
  • Drifting out of lanes
  • Poor decision making
  • Delayed reaction times

Commercial truck drivers are often paid based on miles traveled and may attempt to trek long distances over short periods of time. When a truck driver does not get enough sleep, works long shifts to meet delivery deadlines, and disregards federal regulations—it can be considered negligence. Likewise, if their employer encourages such reckless behavior, the company can be held vicariously liable for the trucker’s actions. In an effort to curb truck accidents from fatigued driving, federal trucking regulations restrict the number of hours a trucker can travel within 24 hours and mandate frequent breaks.

Notwithstanding regulations to protect truckers and other drivers, driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents in Sarasota. Do not hesitate to consult one of our compassionate attorneys at Dannheisser Injury Law if you suffered injuries in a collision caused by a fatigued driver.

Recoverable Compensation from Fatigued Truck Drivers

When a truck driver does not get enough sleep or falls asleep at the wheel, they may not be able to stop in time or at all, causing serious harm to other vehicles on the road. Those who are injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued truck driver in Sarasota can pursue compensation for their injuries. A proactive lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the crash and gather evidence to support a claim against the driver. It can be difficult to prove a crash was caused by a drowsy truck driver, but attorneys experienced with trucking negligent driving conduct are able to locate evidence to demonstrate the negligent conduct including:

  • Police report
  • The driver and companies internal logs and electronic surveillance data
  • Safety performance files and audits
  • Dispatch and driver calling records
  • Cellular telephone records
  • Electronic data recorder downloaded data
  • Surveillance
  • Dash-cam footage
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Accident reconstruction reports

Truckers can be held liable for a semi-truck collision if they were driving while fatigued. Likewise, their employer can be responsible under a theory of vicarious liability if their employee was negligent. A successful claim could reimburse an injured party for the costs of:

  • Medical care
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Any other losses related to the incident

Talk to a qualified attorney about recoverable compensation after an 18-wheeler accident when drowsy driving may have been a factor.

Consult a Sarasota Attorney After a Fatigued Driver Caused Truck Accident

When you are injured in a collision caused by a drowsy truck driver, you should immediately retain legal counsel. When you hire the team at Dannheisser Injury Law to handle your case, you benefit from their years of knowledge and experience. We have helped countless people like you recover fair compensation for their injuries caused by fatigued truck drivers in Sarasota accidents.

After a crash with a tractor-trailer, you may suffer significant losses due to medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses. You should not have to deal with this heavy financial burden. We can help you hold all responsible parties financially accountable for their actions and for your losses. Call today to learn how we can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. We offer free and confidential consultations.

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