Unfortunately, accidents involving large trucks are not uncommon. With such a large vehicle, injuries from this type of accident can be fatal for passengers, drivers, and even pedestrians. In fact, in 2019, approximately 892 large-truck occupants died while on the road. Driving while fatigued is just one of the many causes of these accidents.
If you have been involved in an accident with a truck and believe the other driver was fatigued, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863 5312 for your 100% free consultation. You will not pay us anything unless we are successful in winning your case.
What Causes Driver Fatigue?
We’ve all seen news reports of those horrific highway accidents caused by a driver falling asleep behind the wheel. The road can be mesmerizing, especially at night when you have long distances to drive. Though everyone knows that fatigued driving leads to serious accidents and injuries on Texas roadways, some individuals may still be tempted to try and make it just a few hundred more miles before stopping to rest.
This is even more true of truck drivers, as their paychecks depend upon them getting to their destination on time. Although they know the rules, they may still falsify logbook records or otherwise push the limits. This is because the more miles they can drive, the bigger the paycheck and the additional free time they will have once they arrive at their destination.
Although the very nature of a truck driver’s job causes fatigue, more specific examples include:
- Lack of sleep or erratic sleeping schedule
- Certain medical conditions
- Improper use of medication
If you have been injured by a truck driver and believed he or she was fatigued, contact Zinda Law Group today.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Are The Consequences Of Driver Fatigue?
Statistics have shown that accidents involving 18-wheelers often produce catastrophic results, as an average semi-truck fully loaded can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Even when the trailer is empty, it can still become a very dangerous object on Texas roadways.
When a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, the truck speeds out of control crossing lanes, slamming into bridges, or driving off into a ditch. If you happen to be unlucky enough to be on that same space of roadway with the truck, then your life may be in danger.
In fact, the National Highway Safety Administration has reported 633 deaths from fatigued-, or drowsy-driving-related crashes in 2020 alone.
Fatigue and sleep deprivation impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Fatigue can be caused by lack of sleep, or inadequate daily sleep patterns. When truck drivers push themselves to drive when they know they’re too tired, then this can create continuous sleep deprivation.
Zinda Law Group represents victims in accidents like this. We believe in pursuing justice for our clients and work to protect their rights when they’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident caused by driver fatigue.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Should I Do If I Suspect Fatigue As A Cause Of A Truck Accident?
Following an accident with a truck driver, you may be left hurt and confused. Understanding what to do next may help put your mind at ease and help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation for your various damages.
Document the Scene
First, you should document the scene of the accident. This means that you should take pictures of all injuries, property damage, and road signs or lights. You should also write down everything you can remember about how the accident occurred and what happened immediately afterward; as you may not be able to remember the details by the time your case gets to trial.
Report Your Suspicions to Responding Law Enforcement
After law enforcement arrives at the scene of the accident, inform them of your suspicions. This may aid the police officers when investigating the scene of the accident and when determining who they believe was at fault.
Contact a Skilled Accident Lawyer
Lastly, you should contact a skilled accident lawyer with experience in fatigued truck driving accidents. The right attorney can help investigate your case, determine whether the other party was fatigued, and fight on your behalf to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you have been involved in an accident and believe the other driver was fatigued, contact Zinda Law Group today. Our team can help walk you through each step of the often daunting legal process.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Is Responsible If A Driver Is Fatigued?
If it can be shown that the truck driver was fatigued while driving, he or she may be found liable for the injuries and property damage caused by the accident. However, in certain circumstances, other parties may also be found liable. For instance, the truck company may be held liable for the actions of their employee, so long as the employee was acting within the scope of employment.
If you have any questions regarding who is responsible if a driver is fatigued at the time of the accident, contact Zinda Law Group today. We can help answer this question, and more.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationNeed Help? Contact Zinda Law Group Today
Accidents involving large trucks can lead to serious injury, emotional trauma, and significant property damage. To receive compensation for these damages, you will need to show that the truck driver acted negligently in some way, such as driving while fatigued.
Texas truck driving accidents are on the rise, but if you’ve been a victim in one, then you’ll need a highly skilled Texas attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
You can call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863 5312 and get a free initial consultation where you can speak with an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer. You won’t have to pay attorney’s fees unless Zinda Law Group is successful in winning your case. That is our “No Win, No Fee Guarantee.”
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation