Truck Drivers Aren't Supposed to Fall Asleep At the Wheel
It is one of the standard perceptions of the over-the-road trucking industry: overtired drivers pushing themselves to meet tight deadlines or earn extra money by driving excessive hours. Truck driver fatigue is a real problem in America. Countless deaths and serious injuries occur every year because truckers are too tired to make the right decisions in an unsafe situation or simply fall asleep at the wheel, while pushing themselves to go the extra mile.
It Is Illegal to Base Driver Pay On Extended Hours of Driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is doing everything possible to prevent driver fatigue. Federal regulations prohibit transportation companies from pay policies that encourage putting in extra miles and hours for extra pay. Drivers are required by law to take brakes after meeting their maximum hours behind the wheel in a 24-hour period. Every truck carries a black box in the cab, recording hours of engine operation and driving time. In addition, truck drivers are required to complete a log of driving statistics, including rest periods.
If you or a member of your family was injured in a truck accident and you believe truck driver fatigue may have had a role in causing the accident, talk to a member of the truck accident litigation team at Humphrey, Farrington & McClain right away. Time is important. Truck companies are only required to maintain their records for a specific amount of time. They are allowed to destroy the evidence if your attorney doesn't subpoena the data within the appropriate time frame.
Over $800 Million in Verdicts and Settlements Since 1984
In more than 25 years of serving clients throughout the region, we have been secured over $800 million in settlements and jury verdicts. Our trial lawyers and staff know the details to look for that indicate possible truck driver fatigue. We handle every part of the case, from investigating the case through securing records and negotiating with the opposing lawyers.
We have the professional and financial resources to fight aggressively to win your case, in court if necessary. Many personal injury law firms act aggressively at first, but then ask you to accept a low settlement, when they can no longer afford to handle the cost of the case. We will stand by you and cover all costs of investigating, negotiating or trying your case. You will not pay attorneys fees unless we recover money damages on your behalf.
We have experience in all types of injury and wrongful death claims resulting from truck driver negligence, including:
- Sleep apnea and driver fatigue, asleep at the wheel
- Truck driver drug and alcohol abuse
- Cell phone and text messaging while driving, distracted driver
- Speeding, reckless driving, illegal lane changes
- Illegal roadside stops, stopping under unsafe conditions
- All other FMCSA and log book violations
Free Consultation · No Attorneys Fees Unless You Recover Compensation
From our offices in Independence, Missouri, our lawyers represent clients in courts throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area, Missouri, Kansas, and the United States. Contact us to arrange a free consultation.
