Here at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, we believe in justice for
injury victims. That's why we have helped clients throughout the Sacramento,
Roseville, Redding, and Chico area with their needs. Having expert legal
help is important especially when dealing with trucking companies.
Truck accidents can change people's lives forever, causing severe injuries and death,
and one of the common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue.
Driver Fatigue Is a Major Hazard
According to numbers from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it is estimated that driver fatigue contributes to approximately 40% of all tractor-trailer accidents. This is a significant amount of collisions, and not only does it endanger the truck driver, it endangers other motorists on the road who are far more vulnerable to injury given how much smaller their vehicles are.
Why Truck Drivers May Be Fatigued
Truck drivers are often placed under major pressure by the companies that hire them. Deadlines for delivery can run very tight, forcing them to eliminate rest in order to make it to their destinations on time. While timely deliver is important, the safety and well-being of others on the road is far more important a matter.
Issues with Decision Making and Motor Skills Due to Fatigue
The main reasons that driver fatigue is such a serious issue is the way it impairs decision making and motor skills. Reaction times of fatigued drivers are much slower, and their ability to make smart decisions while behind the wheel are severely diminished. When both of these are impaired, which are crucial for safe driving, the likelihood of multi-vehicle accidents and fatal collisions increases.
The Tracy Morgan Auto Accident: A Case of Truck Driver Fatigue?
Driver fatigue has been in the news recently. A serious multi-vehicle truck accident involving Saturday Night Live cast member and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan was likely caused by driver fatigue. The criminal report filed against Walmart truck driver Kevin Roper says that he had not slept for at least 24 hours leading into the accident. The result was multiple injuries and the death of one of Morgan's close friends, comedy writer James "Jimmy Mack" McNair.
How Driver Fatigue Can Be Prevented
It's important that truck drivers rest at rest stops simply to make sure that they are not drowsy while on the road. Drowsiness should not be avoided through the use of caffeine pills or illicit drug as these will lead to other issues while behind the wheel.
Trucking companies need to ensure that they are not pushing their employees too hard and allow them enough time to take necessary breaks to stretch and to rest.
We Will Hold Trucking Companies and Drivers Accountable
If a truck driver or a trucking company makes poor decisions that result in a serious accident, our legal team will be sure to hold the negligent parties accountable. We will seek compensatory and punitive damages against negligent parties to ensure that the injured and their loved ones receive compensation for any hardships that have been endured.
Discuss Your Accident with Our Legal Team
If you or someone that you care about has been seriously injured as a result of a truck accident, it's of the utmost importance that you contact our personal injury law firm today. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley will work tirelessly on your behalf, seeking just compensation for you and your loved ones.