Drowsy Driving Truck Crashes in Sandusky: How to Hold the Trucking Company Liable
Truckers spend long hours behind the wheel, driving overnight and working under heavy pressure and tight delivery schedules. Drowsy driving is a common problem throughout the industry and increases the risk of truck accidents in Sandusky.
When an overly fatigued trucker causes a crash, the consequences for other motorists can be devastating. Our experienced Sandusky truck crash lawyers explain more about the risks and how to hold the trucking company liable.
How Does Drowsy Driving Increase the Risk of a Sandusky Truck Crash?
Disruptions in your sleep schedule and not getting a full eight hours of rest at night take a heavy toll. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the resulting fatigue can cause impairments that are similar to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For truckers, busy schedules and demanding delivery deadlines are the norm. Common impacts that increase the risk of truck crashes in Sandusky include:
- Poor judgment makes truckers more likely to speed and tailgate other motorists.
- Reduced reaction times make it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Reduced focus can lead to potentially deadly mistakes.
- Lack of coordination makes it harder for a trucker to maintain control of the rig.
- Increased likelihood of highway hypnosis and nodding off behind the wheel.
To reduce drowsy driving risks, federal hours-of-service rules require regular rest periods and limit how long commercial drivers can remain behind the wheel. When trucking companies ignore these or other rules, they can be held liable when a Sandusky truck crash results.
How Can You Hold a Trucking Company Accountable for a Sandusky Truck Crash?
Proving drowsy driving caused a Sandusky truck crash is often challenging. You can count on the trucking company and its insurers to dispute that it was the cause or argue that the driver alone is responsible. To hold them accountable, take these steps:
- Report the crash immediately and make sure law enforcement files an official report.
- Identify the driver, the trucking company, and any other motorists involved.
- If possible, take photos or videos at the crash site to use as evidence.
- Get prompt medical care to document your injuries and create a record connecting them to the crash.
- Have an experienced Ohio truck crash lawyer request preservation of trucking records to prevent black box data, logbooks, and other evidence from being lost or overwritten.
Hours-of-service records, dispatch communications, delivery schedules, and other documents can help prove drowsy driving caused the crash and that the trucking company is liable. These documents become more difficult to obtain if a lawyer is not involved shortly after the crash.
Request a Consultation Today With Our Experienced Sandusky Truck Crash Lawyers
Drowsy driving increases the risk of truck crashes in Sandusky, which can cause devastating harm to nearby motorists. In addition to holding the trucker accountable, our Sandusky truck crash lawyers can advise you on whether the trucking company may also be liable.
To get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, contact Murray & Murray. We represent clients throughout Sandusky, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod3/08.html
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations