Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Miami and across Florida. Truck drivers are often under considerable pressure to deliver as much cargo as possible in the shortest period of time. Most truck drivers work under deadline and some are given financial incentives - such as additional money - in order to deliver goods by a certain period of time. Federal regulations do restrict how long drivers can operate a commercial truck before they must take a break. Regulations also regulate how long truck drivers must take a rest before resuming their duties. Despite this, there are a number of reasons why truck drivers continue to drive drowsy. Unfortunately, there are cases in Miami and Florida of truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel or driving so fatigued that they are no longer able to control their vehicles in a reasonable manner.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Miami, it can be difficult to determine what caused the accident and can be even more challenging to get fair compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies often send a so-called "go team" to a truck accident site almost immediately. These insurance professionals gather information intended to defend a truck driver and truck company from any legal action and legal claims. In order to get fair compensation, you will generally have to work with a personal injury attorney in Miami who has experience with truck accident cases. The Flaxman Law Group legal team, for example, has recovered more than $25 million on behalf of truck accident and personal injury victims across South Florida. Over more than 25 years, the staff has represented thousands of victims successfully.
Why do Truck Accidents Caused by Drowsy Driving Happen?There many reasons why truck drivers get behind the wheel fatigued and end up crashing their vehicles or causing multiple vehicle accidents:
- Some medications - including over-the-counter medications - may have side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness
- Some truck drivers are financially encouraged to exceed safe hours of service
- Some truck drivers and truck companies ignore hours of service or exceed the limits for driving safely before taking a break
- Some truck drivers have medical conditions - such as sleep apnea - make it difficult for them to get adequate levels of rest
No matter what the cause, a truck accident in Miami can have devastating effects. Thousands of people each year are rushed to Miami emergency rooms with head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, fractures, amputations, and other serious injuries caused by traffic accidents across Miami. If you are injured in a truck accident in Miami, contact the Flaxman Law Group to arrange for a free accident consultation to discuss your rights and your future. Your case may be worth more than you think. Aggressively pursuing your case can help you get compensation that can help pay for your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other expenses. Even if you are not sure you want to take legal action, a personal injury attorney may be able to negotiate with insurance carriers on your behalf or help you evaluate insurance offers. To find out more, contact the Flaxman Law Group to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.