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Oklahoma City Tired Driving Truck Accident Attorneys
Professional Counsel When Exhausted Truckers Cause Crashes
When a truck driver gets behind the wheel while fatigued, the results can be disastrous. Tired or exhausted driving is an all-too-common issue in the trucking industry, often leading to catastrophic, even fatal accidents. If you have been seriously injured by the mistakes of a tired truck driver, Fulmer Sill is here to help.
We have a team of Oklahoma City tired driving truck accident lawyers ready to help locals understand and use their legal options. If you were hit by a tired truck driver, you can rely on our guidance, experience, and compassionate support to navigate this complex legal process. With us leading the way, you can feel confident that you will have a fair chance to get the compensation that you need and deserve.
Talk to us today. Dial (405) 433-7414 or contact us online for more information.
Why Do Truck Drivers Get Tired Behind the Wheel?
Truck drivers often find themselves caught in a difficult situation, forced to battle fatigue while remaining committed to their demanding work schedules. Despite being aware of the dangers, many exhausted truck drivers still get behind the wheel due to various pressures and expectations.
A few reasons why a truck driver might drive while exhausted are:
- Trucking company pressure: In an industry where time is money, trucking companies often expect their drivers to work long hours, sometimes pushing them beyond their physical limits. They may prioritize delivery deadlines over the health and safety of their employees, creating an environment that encourages drowsy driving.
- 14-hour workdays: Current regulations within the trucking industry allow most truck drivers to work up to 14 hours per day with only 3 hours for breaks. This extended period of work inevitably leads to fatigue, impairing a driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely.
- Short-haul routes: Some short-haul truck drivers are permitted to work even longer than 14 hours a day, exacerbating the risk of fatigue.
What Does Exhaustion Do to a Truck Driver?
Exhaustion can have profound effects on a truck driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely, making them significantly more dangerous on the road.
A truck driver who is tired may experience:
- Impaired cognitive function: Fatigue can lead to reduced alertness and slower reaction times. This means that an exhausted truck driver might not be able to respond quickly enough to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected incidents, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Decreased coordination: Tiredness can also affect a driver's coordination, which is crucial for tasks like steering, shifting gears, and braking. Poor coordination can result in erratic driving behavior, such as swerving or failing to maintain a steady speed.
- Microsleeps: One of the most dangerous effects of exhaustion is involuntary short episodes of inattention or 'microsleeps'. These can last from a fraction of a second up to 30 seconds, during which the driver essentially 'blacks out'. At highway speeds, a truck can travel a considerable distance in this time, putting themselves and everyone nearby at risk.
- Impaired judgment: Fatigue can affect a driver's decision-making skills, causing them to underestimate risks or make poor choices on the road.
Who is Liable for a Tired Truck Driver Accident?
At Fulmer Sill, our experienced Oklahoma City tired truck driver accident attorneys understand the complexities involved in accidents caused by exhausted truckers. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case to determine who is liable for the accident. Our team can meticulously review all aspects of the incident, including driver logs, company records, and vehicle maintenance history, to identify any negligence or regulatory violations that may have contributed to the accident.
Two parties are typically liable for a tired truck driver accident:
- Truck driver: The driver can be held directly responsible if it can be proven that they knowingly operated the vehicle while fatigued. This could be established through evidence such as discrepancies in logbooks, witness testimonies, or admission of fatigue.
- Trucking company: Often, the trucking company can also be held liable for tired truck driver accidents. This can be the case if the company encouraged or allowed unsafe practices like overworking or skipping mandatory rest periods. If the company failed to enforce regulations or turned a blind eye to violations, they could be held accountable.
Contact Fulmer Sill to Ask About Your Legal Options
You don't have to handle the complexities of an accident claim alone. Fulmer Sill is here to offer comprehensive legal support from the start of the case to its resolution. Our experienced Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys can handle everything – from conducting in-depth investigations to formulating a compelling case on your behalf. We are committed to fighting for your rights and pursuing the maximized amount of compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Please call (405) 433-7414 to ask about your options after an accident caused by a tired truck driver.
You can rely on our tenacious and hardworking team to fight tirelessly for every penny you are owed.