Traffic collisions involving commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, are some of the most severe accidents. Truckers are often under tremendous stress from their employer or other third-party companies to reach their destination quickly. During long deliveries, they commonly refuse to stop, even when suffering from extreme exhaustion.
Federal regulations strictly govern the trucking industry attempting to reduce the number of crashes and life-threatening injuries. They provide the maximum time for truckers to operate the vehicles without stopping for breaks and rest. Lack of sleep is challenging to prove, even though it is a known cause of collisions. A diligent lawyer seasoned in fatigued truck accidents in Bangor can take the work off your hands and help hold the at-fault party responsible.
The Dangers of Fatigued Truck Operation
Operating massive commercial trucks without adequate rest is comparable to intoxicated driving and significantly increases the risk of collisions. Not only does it put the trucker in harm’s way, but it also endangers other drivers on the road, making them vulnerable to severe injuries. Failing to get enough sleep before operating a tractor-trailer could lead to the following:
- Slower reaction times or delayed reflexes
- Reduced attention span
- Blurred or impaired vision
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Inability to react quickly to hazards
Truckers work under tight deadlines make long trips to transport essential cargo, often under irregular schedules, which can interrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia. When a CDL operator in Bangor causes a fatigued driving truck wreck, they could be liable for injuries sustained by nearby drivers or passengers.
Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations
Federal legislation restricts the time truckers can drive in one shift and dictates the length of breaks and rest intervals. These safety rules aim to prevent accidents caused by lack of sleep and improve the commercial driver’s quality of life. Under the guidelines determined by the Code of Federal Regulations 49 § 395, truck truckers transporting cargo or other property can drive a maximum of 11 hours in one shift.
Once they reach the limit, they must remain off-duty for at least ten consecutive hours. The rules also require they take a 30-minute break for every eight hours they are in service. The statute prohibits truckers from incurring over 70 hours in an eight-day work week or 70 hours for seven-day work schedules.
Electronic Logging Devices
The statutes previously required operators to keep hand-written logbooks to record their hours of service and ensure compliance. These days, electronic logging devices ELD installed in vehicles collect the data automatically, making the process simpler while ensuring compliance with the rules. A lawyer who knows the policies for cases involving fatigued truck operators in Banger crashes can request and gather the data to check for violations of the regulations.
Call a Bangor Attorney to Discuss Filing a Claim After a Fatigued Truck Accident
When truckers or the companies that employ them fail to adhere to federal regulations, such as the maximum hours of service guidelines, the court will hold them financially responsible. The federal government regulates the industry to cut down on severe and fatal accidents as the massive trucks are challenging to manage in normal conditions.
You have the right to expect the at-fault party to cover the damages and pursue legal action to hold them accountable. Our skilled lawyers with experience handling cases involving fatigued truck accidents in Bangor can help prepare a case to collect a settlement successfully. Contact our attorneys today for help.
