When a Pennsylvania truck driver is negligent or reckless, it poses a risk for everyone else on the road. This is also the case when a truck driver is tired while behind the wheel. Truckers work long hours and spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel, which may mean they are more prone than other types of drivers to be drowsy.
Drowsy driving is a significant problem. Exhaustion can impact a trucker’s physical reaction abilities as well as his or her cognitive abilities. If you suffered injuries in an accident involving a truck, it is possible that drowsy driving is to blame. You would have the right to seek compensation from all liable parties.
Trucking while too tired to be safe
One of the most important things that truckers can do is to get regular rest. There are regulations in place to prevent truckers from working too long and driving too many hours consecutively, but individual drivers and trucking companies do not always follow these rules. Consider the following:
- Because of the nature of the job, truckers are more susceptible to drowsy driving. There is ample evidence that fatigued driving can have fatal consequences.
- In many cases, drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsy drivers swerve, drive erratically and make poor decisions behind the wheel.
- With rest and adherence to safety regulations, truckers can fight against the possibility of drowsy driving.
A tired driver is a dangerous driver, no matter what. However, when a tired driver is behind the wheel of a large and heavy semitrailer, it can have devastating consequences. Due to the bigger size and heavier weight of these types of vehicles, even a low-speed collision can be serious.
If you believe that your truck accident was the result of a negligent or reckless truck driver, you could have grounds to move forward with a civil claim. It may seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to hold liable parties accountable.
The rights of truck accident victims
Victims of truck accidents often feel overwhelmed by what happened. From serious injuries to dealing with the tactics employed by trucking companies and their insurance providers, it can be difficult to protect your interests.
As a victim, you may find it beneficial to seek a complete evaluation of your case in order to understand both your legal options and how you can shield your interests after an accident involving a drowsy truck driver.