Truck accidents can cause severe injuries to all parties involved. However, the damage can be catastrophic when a semi collision involves a fatigued driver. Often, truckers drive until they become tired enough to cause an accident. Unfortunately, these crashes result in devastating damages that can even be fatal.
However, a skilled truck accident attorney could help you hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and losses. If you or a family member were hurt in a crash with a semi, a legal representative could help you fight for your rights to get the financial compensation you deserve. Contact a lawyer today at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya about fatigued truck driver accidents in Wilmington.
What is Fatigued Truck Driving in Wilmington?
Truck drivers often feel pressure to meet deadlines and complete as many stops as possible. Usually, a trucker’s salary is based on the number of deliveries they make in a day. Likewise, the companies they work for might also push them to work long hours.
If a semi driver becomes too tired, they may begin to fall asleep at the wheel. Like driving while intoxicated, fatigue can skew a trucker’s judgment and delay their reaction time. A seasoned attorney in Wilmington can help a driver gather evidence that proves a trucker caused a crash due to exhaustion.
Types of Fatigued Truck Driving Collisions
Because of their size, tractor-trailers can cause crashes that often lead to debilitating injuries. In some cases, the force of a truck on a passenger vehicle can crush a car. Common types of truck driving accidents caused by fatigued driving include:
- Rear end collisions
- Accidents caused by running through red lights or stop signs
- Head-on collisions caused when a trucker crosses over a highway
Federal Regulations for Fatigued Truck Drivers
To combat trucking accidents caused by tiredness, federal regulations have been implemented to limit the amount of time a driver is on the road. Unfortunately, these laws are not always strictly enforced. However, if a law enforcement officer suspects a trucker is driving recklessly, they may pull them over and request to see their driving log. Fortunately, a diligent lawyer can investigate the details of a tired truck driver accident and subpoena records to view a trucker’s driving time.
Who is Liable for Fatigued Truck Driving Accidents in Wilmington?
Although a driver could be responsible for a fatigued driving collision, they will rarely be financially obligated to an injured plaintiff. However, in some cases, a trucker may lose their CDL license or be charged criminally.
In the case of a civil lawsuit, a trucker often does not have the funds to pay for a person’s injuries. Instead, the company they work for may be responsible for settling a claim with an injured motorist. For example, an injured person may sue a trucking company if the employer allowed the trucker to travel beyond federal regulations.
Contact an Attorney if You Were Part of a Fatigued Truck Driving Accident in Wilmington
Truck collisions that occur when a trucker is exhausted can result in horrific damages. If you sustained injuries in a crash with a fatigued trucker, you might be facing a grueling recovery process, costly medical bills, and lost income from missed time at work.
While you recover from the injuries a reckless driver caused, let a lawyer experienced with fatigued truck driving accidents in Wilmington handle your case. A legal team member is ready to help you fight for your rights in court. Call today.
