Truck driver fatigue causes traffic accidents in Miramar and across the country. When truck drivers do not get adequate rest, they are more likely to make mistakes on the road, are likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, and may be likely to respond belatedly in avoiding an accident. Commercial truck drivers who drive big rigs and tractor-trailers are required by law to take frequent rests, to keep track of the hours driven and the hours of rest they receive, and to take adequate rest stops. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers do so and when truck drivers are negligent in this way serious car and truck accidents are often the result.
Have you been injured in a commercial truck accident in Miramar or anywhere in South Florida? It's important to consult with a personal injury attorney right away so that your attorney can get the facts about your case and its causes. Under Florida law, if your accident was caused by recklessness or negligence, you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, car damage, and more. To find out more, contact Flaxman Law Group today for your free, no obligation case evaluation.
Truck Driver Fatigue is a Serious ProblemFederal legislators have made many attempts to reduce the instances of truck driver fatigue-related accidents on the roads. They have passed rules which require most truck drivers to drive no more than ten hours per day and 77 hours per week and to get adequate rest each day. Truck drivers are also required by law to keep track of how many hours they have driven and how many hours they have taken breaks. Despite this, truck driver fatigue continues to be a problem.
In some cases, truck drivers who do get adequate rest find themselves dangerously tired behind the wheel. Often, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia are a culprit. In other cases, illnesses are a problem. Even something as simple as a flu or over-the-counter flu medication can cause drowsiness, for example.
Did Negligence Play a Role in Your Injuries?In other cases, truck drivers and motor carriers purposefully ignore hours of service rules and drive longer than is safe. In many cases, this is done for financial reasons. Motor carriers can save money if truck drivers are on the road for longer periods of time. Truck drivers also can get financial advantages and earn more income by staying on the road longer – even though this is dangerous.
Have you been seriously injured in a commercial truck accident? Often, it is difficult to tell exactly what has caused your accident and injuries. If you would like to get facts about your rights or would like to know more about what you can do in order to ensure that you do not have to pay for the full cost of your injuries out of your own pocket, contact Flaxman Law Group for an honest, thorough evaluation of your case. Your initial case consultation is free and comes with absolutely no obligation, so you risk nothing.