Accidents Caused by Fatigued Truck Drivers in Nebraska
Truck drivers often work day and night to meet challenging deadlines. Sometimes they put themselves and others in harm's way by continuing to drive when they feel fatigued and drowsy. There are federal regulations in place to help prevent devastating truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers. However, these types of accidents remain common on our nation's highways.
Fatigued drivers and their employers can be held accountable for the damages, injuries, and deaths they cause. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver, it is critical that you understand your legal rights and options. The experienced Nebraska truck accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan LLC are here to help. Contact us at (402) 882-7080.
The Problem of Fatigued Truckers
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 4,000 people are killed in large truck accidents annually. Driver fatigue is a leading factor. A recent National Sleep Foundation poll found that only 22 percent of drivers who feel fatigued pullover. That means that a majority of fatigued drivers remain on the roadway and push through even when their bodies are telling them to rest.
Researchers have conducted many studies over the years that show how being awake for 18 hours affects your ability to drive just as being impaired by alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration around .05 BAC would affect you. In other words, truck drivers who have been awake for 18 hours and continue to drive without rest have the delayed reaction time and diminished judgment of a driver who is impaired by alcohol.
Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations
To prevent truck drivers from working for too many hours straight, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours-of-Service or HOS regulations. Under HOS rules, commercial drivers may work for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
When a truck driver breaks these rules of service regulations, they are behaving negligently. Truck drivers who negligently cause accidents while fatigued can be held accountable for the damages they cause. If you are involved in a Nebraska truck accident, you need to work with an attorney who can review the driver's work logs and determine if they had enough rest before getting on the road.
Justice for Truck Accident Victims
A lawsuit against a truck driver, truck owner, or trucking firm is often the best way to secure fair compensation after being injured in an accident. A successful claim against a fatigued truck driver and trucking firm can result in financial support for your medical bills, lost wages, hospitalization, the cost of rehabilitation, pain, and suffering, and other related damages.
Contact a Fatigued Truck Accident Attorney in Nebraska
The experienced Nebraska fatigued truck accident lawyers at Cullan & Cullan LLC have the knowledge and resources it takes to investigate these types of accidents. We've helped many injured victims secure maximum compensation for their significant losses.
Call us at (402) 882-7080 for a free, comprehensive, and confidential consultation.