It is not difficult to visualize how driving for hours on end without taking a break will result in driver fatigue. And if the driver has the added pressure of delivering their cargo on time no matter how tired they feel, an accident is highly likely. If you have been injured in a truck accident due to truck driver fatigue, an accident attorney from the law firm of Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky in Pittsburgh will help you fight for your right to get the compensation you deserve.
What is truck driver fatigue?
When a driver does not get enough sleep, when they sleep poorly and with many interruptions, and when they must still get behind the wheel of their truck in this condition, their driving will be impaired. As a matter of fact, the effect will be very similar to that of a driver who has been drinking.
When a truck driver is tired, it is not uncommon to find them nodding off, drifting between lanes, or making poor decisions. That is why driver fatigue can be blamed for many accidents and their accompanying injuries every year.
If you have been hit by a truck driven by someone who is fatigued, your injuries and the damage to your property may be extensive. If so, reach out to the truck accident lawyers from the law firm of Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky in Pittsburgh. We have the experience and legal knowledge you need to help you fight for your rights. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today to tell us about your case.
Main Causes and Signs of Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers may experience fatigue when:
- They are asked to drive shifts that are longer than 8 hours.
- They must drive at night.
- They are pressured to deliver a load on time at great distances.
- They fear losing their job and drive when they know they should be resting.
Anyone who is fatigued will start yawning and blinking frequently, will have difficulty remembering the last few miles driven, will start drifting out of their lane, and may miss their exit, just to name a few examples.
Laws Truck Drivers Must Follow to Prevent Fatigue-Related Accidents
Federal laws have been put in place to keep everyone on the road as safe as possible. Some of these regulations include provisions that state that:
- A truck driver can drive 11 hours each day after ten consecutive off-duty hours.
- A truck driver has to take a break that is at least 30 minutes long during the first 8 hours of their shift.
- A truck driver must never drive more than 14 consecutive hours.
However, even when a truck driver follows these rules, they may still experience fatigue. Just imagine driving 11 hours every day and trying not to go over 14 consecutive hours. It is understandable that, under those conditions, driver fatigue can occur.
Steps to Take After an Accident Where Driver Fatigue is Involved
If you believe that your accident took place due to driver fatigue, you need legal help to prove this fact. This is because determining the cause of an accident can be a complex process. That is why an accident attorney from the law firm of Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky in Pittsburgh is crucial to have by your side at this time.
We have the expertise needed to investigate the driver’s records, analyze their log books, gas receipts, hotel receipts, and toll receipts to calculate how long the driver had been on the road at the time of the accident. We can also look for any surveillance footage that will help shed light on the actions of the driver and the accident.
However, we will not stop at investigating the driver. It is common for other parties to also play a role in a truck accident, such as the trucking company, the party responsible for loading the truck, contractors, parts manufacturers, those responsible for providing maintenance to the truck, and, in some cases, even local or state governments who are responsible for poor road conditions. With so many possible parties involved, it is clear that this is not a case that you should consider tackling on your own.
Just dealing with the insurance companies may be hard enough without adding all these additional pieces. Remember that there is no time to waste getting legal help since it is important to be able to gather evidence while the accident is still fresh, and video or photos of the accident may still be recoverable. Tell us about your case, and we will review it for free and offer you the legal guidance you seek.
Understanding Your Case
When you are involved in a truck accident due to driver fatigue, our legal professionals will get to work figuring out if you have a case and how much your case might be worth. To do this, we will consider all the unique facts of your accident, such as:
- The extent of your injuries
- Your present and future medical needs
- Who was at fault
- The effect that the injuries have had on your health
- The accident evidence, and more
Also, keep in mind that there is a limited time to file a claim against the truck driver and other parties. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working for you. Focus on getting better while we focus on fighting for your rights.
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C’s main office is located at 245 Fort Pitt Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, only about 8 minutes from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, just over a mile away from The Andy Warhol Museum, and about 2 minutes away from the Point State Park. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is only 12 minutes away. Gary Ogg, Mike Murphy, John Perkosky, David Houk, and Ben Gobel, the principal attorneys at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C, are your trusted source for addressing personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. With a proven history of expertise and success, Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call our Pittsburgh law firm today at (412) 471-8500 with further questions.