Fatigue is a major cause of vehicle accidents, intensified when the driver is controlling a commercial truck. Studies have indicated that fatigue can cause the same physical impairments as alcohol, with similar dangers for drivers. Merced has many commercial trucks traveling on the roadways, many who may have traveled across the country to get here. When a truck driver causes an injury accident in Merced, you need to know your legal options.
Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is common among long haul drivers that spend days on the road. There are federal safety regulations for commercial truck drivers to prevent fatigue but many times these rules are not followed. Truck drivers are required to stop driving after 11 hours and get eight hours of rest before driving again. When truck drivers do not adhere to these rules, they can become fatigued and a danger behind the wheel. Their reaction time can slow and in extreme cases, they may fall asleep while driving, posing a risk to others on the road.
What to Do After a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident
After any injury accident, it is critical to call the police to report the accident, so they can begin an investigation. You should always seek medical care right away, even if you do not believe your injuries are serious. Record any details you remember about the events before and during the accidents – these details may be important in proving driver negligence in your claim.
If you are involved in an injury accident in Merced caused by truck driver fatigue, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Driving while fatigued can be considered negligence and you may be owed compensation for your injuries. Truck driver accident claims can be complicated; the driver and their employer may be liable for damages. It is important to have an attorney that can help prove truck driver fatigue and uncover who is liable for injuries caused by the driver’s negligence. If you win your claim, you could receive compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages.
Merced Truck Accident Attorney
Our team at Maison Law can help you determine your legal options if you were injured by a fatigued truck driver in Merced. Contact us at martin@ maisonlaw.com or call us at 209-933-1114to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis if we take your case – we don’t get paid unless we recover funds for your injuries.
