How Truck Accidents Happen

If you were hurt in a truck accident, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. A lawyer can help you bring a claim against the negligent party.

Consequences and Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in the United States. When a truck driver is running on little sleep, it can impact his or her ability to operate a commercial truck. The exhaustion can cause the driver to sway between lanes and not pay attention to the speed limit, increasing the risk of an accident.

Some fatigued truck drivers may even fall asleep behind the wheel, causing their vehicle to drift off the road. They may hit a tree, concrete median or other object.

There are several different factors that can lead to truck driver fatigue, including:

• Working long hours. Many truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to deliver their goods on time. As such, some drivers may spend more time on the road than they should. Although there are federal regulations that prohibit truck drivers from driving too many hours in a row, not all drivers follow these rules. Driving for long periods of time will eventually take its toll and make drivers extremely drowsy.
• Consuming a poor diet. Spending long hours on the road makes it difficult for many truck drivers to eat a healthy diet. These drivers may often stop at fast food restaurants for convenience. Unfortunately, eating these fattening and heavy foods, especially late at night, can make it difficult to fall asleep. Truck drivers may wake up drowsy and have trouble focusing on the road ahead.
• Not working the same schedule. In the trucking industry, it’s common for drivers to work on rotating schedules. This makes it more challenging for drivers to get enough sleep between shifts. 
• Having sleep disorders. Many sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, go undiagnosed. Truck drivers who suffer from untreated sleep disorders are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident.

If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.