Miami Drowsy Truck Driver Accident Attorney
Large trucks are on the roads every day throughout the country. These large vehicles are much bigger and heavier than most passenger vehicles and can cause some anxiety for drivers as they drive near them. One reason for this is that most people realize an accident with a large truck is more likely to cause serious injuries. If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, contact a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney for assistance with your situation right away.
The Increase of Truck Accidents Across the Country
Statistics show that large truck accidents occur more often than before across the U.S., even while other types of accidents decline. The specific cause of this isn’t known; however, some believe a contributing factor is that large trucks aren’t equipped with the same type of safety technology that helps other drivers avoid accidents. For example, new passenger vehicles are designed with all types of smart and innovative technology. Many large and commercial trucks are left behind when it comes to the integration of this technology. Without these features, such as automatic emergency braking, staying safe and avoiding accidents is all up to the driver.
Handling a large tractor-trailer truck isn’t a simple process. It requires skill, attention, and focus. If a driver is fatigued, they won’t be able to operate the truck safely. Unfortunately, the regulations in place for truck drivers often create expectations that make it challenging for drivers to get adequate sleep. Even with restrictions on hours of service, drivers still are overworked due to the high expectations of the companies they work for. If a truck driver is fatigued, they create a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. If you are involved in an accident with a fatigued truck driver, hiring a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney from the Durham Law Group is recommended. If hired, our legal professionals will review your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Regulations in the Trucking Industry
If an accident occurs, one thing a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney will look at is the truck driver’s logbook. The logbook is used to track how long they are on the road and when they rest. It is important to note if the logbook shows if the driver has violated the 11-hour limit allowed for driving and the 14-hour limit for working. After a driver has been on the road for 11 hours, they can use the remaining hours for work-related activities. It’s also required that the driver take at least 10 hours off work before they begin driving again. Drivers must use the logbook to account for all hours of the day when they are working.
Unfortunately, some drivers fabricate their logbooks to violate the rules and continue driving when they should be resting. Many trucking companies put pressure on drivers to transport loads faster than they should. This may result in the driver manipulating their hours of service to look like they met regulations, even when they didn’t. Newer trucks are being equipped with electronic hour-tracking systems, which makes it more challenging to falsify these records. Your Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney will consider all this as they work on your case if you are involved in a truck accident.
Accidents with Fatigued Truck Drivers
If you are involved in an accident with a truck driver, you should hire a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney to determine if the driver has violated the set hours of service rules. Your attorney can access any electronic data available, and if a logbook was used, it could still be determined if the driver was honest with their reporting.
For example, the driver’s receipts or other types of evidence the driver has may prove that their times don’t match up in the logbook. This is one way a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney determines if the driver may have violated the regulations and may have been fatigued when the accident occurred. Remember, fatigued drivers (in any type of vehicle) are not as attentive, and when truck drivers violate their hours-of-service rules, they are much more likely to fall asleep while driving, which can cause an accident.
Don’t Wait to Get in Touch with a Miami Drowsy Truck Driver Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, fatigued truck drivers are on the roads at all hours of the day or night. Their presence increases the possibility of a serious and deadly accident. If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, hiring a Miami drowsy truck driver accident attorney to help with your case is recommended. Your attorney will gather evidence to show that the driver was fatigued or caused the collision in some other way. Your attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses caused by the accident. Contact the Durham Law Group Miami office today at 305-913-8913.
