Fatigued Driving

Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers Effectively Pursuing Claims Against Negligent Truckers and Trucking Companies

Truck drivers are often under immense pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading many to push themselves beyond safe driving limits. Fatigued driving is a serious issue in the trucking industry, and it can have devastating consequences for everyone on the road. When a truck driver is fatigued, their ability to react quickly and make sound judgments is severely impaired, leading to accidents that could have been prevented. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy truck driver, the team at Suthers & Harper is here to help. Our experienced Savannah truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of fatigued driving cases and are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.

The Dangers of Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, with similar effects on a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Truck drivers who are fatigued may struggle with the following:

Delayed Reaction Times: When a driver is tired, it takes longer for them to react to changing road conditions, traffic signals, or hazards, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Decreased Attention Span: Fatigued drivers often have trouble focusing on the road, making it more likely that they will miss important cues, such as brake lights or lane changes.

Poor Decision-Making: Fatigue impairs judgment, making drivers more likely to take unnecessary risks, such as speeding or tailgating.

Falling Asleep at the Wheel: In extreme cases, a truck driver may fall asleep while driving, leading to catastrophic accidents.

The dangers of fatigued driving are magnified when the driver is operating an 80,000-pound truck. The consequences of a fatigued truck driver losing control can be disastrous for the occupants of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a fatigued truck driver, a Savannah truck accident lawyer at Suthers & Harper can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Federal Rest Requirements

To combat the dangers of fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict rules regarding how long truck drivers can be on the road before they are required to take a rest break. These regulations are part of the Hours of Service (HOS) rules and are designed to ensure that truck drivers get the rest they need to operate safely. Key provisions of the HOS rules include:

11-Hour Driving Limit: A truck driver is allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty.

14-Hour On-Duty Limit: Drivers are limited to a 14-hour window in which they may drive, even if they do not spend the entire time driving. After 14 hours, they must take a rest break.

30-Minute Break Requirement: After 8 hours of driving, truck drivers must take at least a 30-minute break before continuing.

60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Truck drivers are not allowed to exceed 60 hours of driving in a 7-day period or 70 hours in an 8-day period, depending on the company’s schedule.

These regulations are in place to reduce the risk of fatigued driving and protect everyone on the road. However, not all trucking companies or drivers comply with these rules. Some may falsify their logs or encourage drivers to continue working beyond the allowed hours, which can lead to dangerous accidents.

Rest Log Violations Explained

Truck drivers are required to keep detailed logs of their driving and rest times, either electronically or on paper, to demonstrate their compliance with federal regulations. These logs are an essential piece of evidence in any truck accident case involving driver fatigue. However, some drivers or trucking companies may falsify these logs to make it appear as though they were following the rules when, in reality, they were driving well beyond the legal limits.

Common rest log violations include:

Falsifying Records: Some drivers may alter their logs to show that they took required breaks when they did not or that they drove fewer hours than they actually did.

Inaccurate Recordkeeping: In some cases, drivers may fail to keep accurate records, either intentionally or unintentionally, which can make it difficult to determine if they were following the rules.

Pressure from Employers: Trucking companies may pressure their drivers to break HOS rules in order to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to logbook violations.

If rest log violations are discovered, they can serve as crucial evidence in proving driver negligence in a truck accident case. At Suthers & Harper, our team of Savannah truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, including reviewing rest logs, to determine if driver fatigue played a role. We will work to hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable if they violated federal regulations.

Speak with an Experienced Savannah Truck Accident Attorney About Your Case Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, you deserve to have a skilled legal team fighting for your rights. At Suthers & Harper, our Savannah truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t wait to act — contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and get started on the road to recovery. You can reach us by calling 800-320-2384 or by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.