Gwinnett County Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

Truck drivers are expected to operate their vehicles for long periods of time, often with little rest. However, failure to take the necessary breaks can cause a trucker to become exhausted or even fall asleep at the wheel. Fatigued truck drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and other motorists.

A Gwinnett County truck driver fatigue accident lawyer might be able to help if you or a loved one were involved in a collision with an overly tired trucker. Time is of the essence, as evidence can quickly be lost in these cases. A well-practiced attorney could review the facts of the case, collect and preserve evidence, and fight for your right to compensation.

What Are the Dangers of Driving While Overtired in Gwinnett County?

When a trucker is driving while fatigued, their reaction times are not as quick as they should be. Exhausted truck drivers pose the same risk as truckers who are inattentive, under the influence, or otherwise negligent.

When their reaction times are slowed, they could easily:

• Make an improper left turn
• Back into another motorist
• Rear-end another vehicle
• Strike someone during improper lane changes
• Run through red lights.

Federal and state regulations have guidelines dictating how long truck drivers are allowed to drive each day. Those guidelines are in place to give them enough downtime to eat, sleep, and have proper recuperation.

Truck drivers who operate beyond their allowable hours are at risk of becoming fatigued and causing an accident. A skilled attorney could gather the evidence needed to prove a truck driver was exhausted due to driving over the permitted hours in Gwinnett County.

Liability in Exhausted Truck Driver Wrecks

In terms of liability, when there is a truck accident, the liability usually goes against the trucking company. A lawyer could argue that a Peachtree Corners trucking company is pushing their drivers to drive too many hours, resulting in fatigue.

The truck driver must stand up to their employer if they are pushing them to drive more hours than the law allows. If they personally own their truck, it is their responsibility to follow the safety regulations and guidelines. Each driver is held responsible under the law. Truck drivers can be ticketed for driving beyond the legal hours.

Trucking companies typically have a strong influence over their drivers. Truckers might feel their jobs are threatened if they are not doing what the trucking company wants. Although they can certainly be held personally responsible, the reality of the situation is that the trucking companies are typically pushing the drivers to drive beyond these hours. However, a truck driver will probably not be absolved of all liability in the event of an accident.

Seek a Gwinnett County Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Attorney for Help

A fatigued truck driver could be as dangerous on the road as an inattentive or intoxicated motorist. Exhausted truckers have slower reaction times that could result in them accidentally colliding with another driver, pedestrian, or biker.

If you or a loved one were harmed in a collision caused by an overtired trucker, a Gwinnett County truck driver fatigue accident lawyer may be able to help. An attorney could gather the evidence needed to prove the truck driver or their company are liable for your damages. To learn more, call our office today and schedule a consultation.