Have You Been Injured In A Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue and Drowsiness?

One of the main causes of big rig truck and 18-wheeler crashes is truck driver fatigue.

When an 80,000-pound semi-truck is driven by a drowsy driver, the outcome can be catastrophic.

At the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, our Las Cruces New Mexico truck accident attorneys understand that a collision with an 18-wheeler can change your life in seconds, and we are committed to helping our injured clients get their lives back.

How Many Truck Accidents Are Caused By to Truck Driver Fatigue?

The National Transportation Safety Board is the federal agency that investigates accidents to determine their causes.

The Board has estimated up to 40% of commercial truck crashes occur across the United States each year when driver fatigue plays a role in operating the large vehicle.

Unfortunately, drowsy driving is not something that can be gauged through a breathalyzer, but the risks can be the same as those caused by an intoxicated driver.

Drivers who rely on only four to five hours of sleep exhibit some of the same risks as drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of intoxication.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck drivers have very demanding schedules that require long travel days and nights to ensure their deliveries are made on time.

Because the pressure to perform is so intense, lack of sleep or driving too long of a shift may lead to slower reaction times and lapses in judgment, which can cause serious collisions that cause life-changing injuries or even death.

Some trucking companies put immense pressure on their drivers to deliver more shipments in shorter turnaround times. That approach to building revenue for the company could mean the driver foregoing sleep and rest breaks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits the number of consecutive driving hours and shift hours truck drivers can travel through federally mandated Hours of Service Rules, including guidelines for mandatory rest breaks.

When these regulations are violated, the driver and the trucking company may be held responsible for an accident that occurs while the fatigued driver is behind the wheel.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy driver, our New Mexico truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Samuel I. Kane, P.A. want to help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve from the responsible party today by 575-222-0472 to schedule a free consultation.