Joliet Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

Holding Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable for Fatigue-Related Accidents

Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of collisions on the road. Because of the size and weight of 18-wheelers and other large trucks, accidents can lead to serious or catastrophic injuries. Driver fatigue is one major factor that can contribute to commercial truck accidents. Fatigue can impair a driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely, and in some cases, truck drivers may even fall asleep behind the wheel, which can have catastrophic results.

At Carlson Law Group, P.C., our skilled attorney provides representation for people who have been injured in truck accidents. With our experience addressing multiple types of personal injuries, we can help ensure that the parties responsible for truck crashes will be held liable for the damages suffered by our clients. We can gather evidence of driver fatigue or other forms of negligence, and we will fight to ensure that injury victims will be fully compensated for their damages.

Causes of Driver Fatigue in Truck Drivers

Truck drivers face unique challenges that can contribute to fatigue. The nature of their work requires them to spend long hours on the road, sometimes stretching into the late hours of the night or early morning. Some of the primary reasons why truck drivers may become fatigued include:

• Long working hours: Federal regulations that apply to commercial drivers allow them to work for as many as 14 hours per day, with 11 of those hours spent driving. Even with mandatory breaks, extended periods of driving can lead to significant physical and mental fatigue.
• Irregular schedules: Unlike typical nine-to-five jobs, truck drivers often have irregular schedules that can disrupt their natural sleep patterns. They may need to drive overnight or early in the morning, leading to inconsistent and insufficient rest.
• Economic pressures: Many truck drivers are paid by the mile, which can incentivize them to spend more time on the road to maximize their earnings. This financial pressure can push drivers to ignore fatigue and continue driving when they should be resting.
• Monotonous driving conditions: Long stretches of highway driving with little variation can lead to boredom and mental fatigue. The lack of stimulation can make it difficult for drivers to stay alert and focused.
• Health issues: Truck drivers may struggle with health issues such as obesity, sleep apnea, and other conditions that can interfere with restful sleep. Limited access to healthy food options and the requirement to stay in the same positions for multiple hours can make these problems even worse.

Dangers of Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can affect people's cognitive and motor skills in some of the same ways as alcohol impairment. Truck drivers who are fatigued may experience issues such as:

• Increased reaction time: A truck driver who is fatigued will take longer to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. This delayed response can be the difference between avoiding a collision and causing one.
• Decreased awareness: Fatigued drivers are less aware of their surroundings. They may fail to notice important signs, signals, or hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Impaired judgment: Fatigue affects people's decision-making abilities, and this may lead truck drivers to make poor choices on the road. For example, a fatigued driver might misjudge the distance and speed of other vehicles, or they may take unnecessary risks.
• Microsleeps: Extreme fatigue can lead to brief episodes of sleep that can last a few seconds, and they may occur without the driver realizing it. Even a few seconds of inattention can have catastrophic consequences, especially when traveling at high speeds.
• Physical discomfort: Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to physical concerns that can distract a driver. Pain and stiffness from remaining in one position for too long can take the driver's attention away from the road.

Contact Our Will County Truck Accident Attorney for Driver Fatigue

When driver fatigue is a factor in a truck accident, drivers, passengers, or pedestrians may suffer serious injuries. Proving that a driver was fatigued is not always easy, but our attorney understands how to gather evidence in these situations and demonstrate that an accident occurred because of negligence. Carlson Law Group, P.C. is committed to fighting for our clients' rights and ensuring that they will be properly compensated for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies. Contact our office at 815-710-3700 and set up a free consultation to begin taking steps to recover the compensation you deserve.