Truck Accident Lawyers Valencia, New Mexico
At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane P.A., our dedicated Valencia, New Mexico truck accident attorneys focus on the source of our client’s injuries, so they can get the medical care they need while we pursue the negligent party who caused their semi-truck crash.
With just over 2,000 people living in Valencia, each of them has the right to seek damages from the truck driver, trucking company, or even the manufacturer if they were negligent in their duty to keep the public safe during a truck crash. And our trusted Valencia truck accident attorney can help protect the injured party’s rights throughout the legal process.
Is Truck Driver Fatigue Is A Leading Cause of Truck Accidents?
There are few things as dangerous, or as terrifying, as a truck driver operating an 80,000-pound vehicle with fatigue overriding their senses.
Fatigue is more than just lack of sleep and is described as the lack of mental or physical energy that compromises performance.
This can include working too many hours or even enduring stress from both work and non-work activities.
Are There Limits To How Long Truck Drivers Can Be Behind The Wheel of An 18-Wheeler?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has outlined Hours of Service regulations that dictate exactly how long truck drivers can operate an 18-wheeler without taking a break — or taking significant time out from behind the wheel.
The hours of service regulations state there is a maximum of 14 hours that truck drivers can spend from the start of their shift to the end of it — and only eleven of those hours can be used for actual drive time.
- When 14 hours are spent working, truck drivers must take ten hours off before beginning a new shift
- Eight hours of drive time is permitted before a mandatory 30-minute rest break
- Over a consecutive seven-day period: Maximum of 60 hours of on-duty truck driving time
- Over a consecutive eight-day period: Maximum of 70 hours of on-duty truck driving time
Any time spent behind the wheel of a semi-truck that extends beyond these regulations is a violation of the Department of Transportation’s regulations.
What Are The Dangers Associated With Truck Driver Fatigue?
Drivers do not have to violate hours of service regulations to suffer from fatigue. When their physical or mental state is compromised, it takes their focus away from the road, placing other drivers in danger.
The side effects of driver fatigue can include:
- Dozing off while driving
- Driving erratically to keep awake
- Wandering mind, removing the focus from driving
- Bleary or watery eyes, compromising vision
- Taking illicit drugs to stay awake
- Speeding to meet a pick-up/drop-off deadline before service hours expire
Contact Our Valencia Truck Accident Attorneys Now
If you have been hurt in a semi-truck crash because of truck driver fatigue, contact our experienced Valencia truck accident lawyers at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane P.A. in Valencia, New Mexico at (575) 222-0472 to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Our accomplished Valencia truck accident attorneys are here to help you hold the negligent truck driver responsible for your injuries and the financial recovery you deserve.
