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Many semi drivers operate on schedules that require them to be on the road for more than ten hours a day. In addition, they may need to drive on these schedules for multiple days at a time. These long hours contribute to a high frequency of exhausted rig operators who are likely to cause accidents.
A tired driver is an unsafe driver. Because of this, federal law places limits on how many hours someone may operate their commercial vehicle in a day or week. Even though there are regulations on this, many companies flout these laws in an attempt to increase profits. An 18-wheeler wreck attorney at Schiller & Hamilton could provide more information about the federal semi laws and help you pursue compensation from fatigued truck drivers in Lancaster accidents.
Common Causes of Driving while Tired Semi Wrecks in Lancaster
The trucking industry is a high-stress environment. Independent drivers and large 18-wheeler companies operate on strict deadlines that require the movement of goods on specific dates. This often involves moving product from one side of the country to the other.
Driving a rig can be stressful on its own, especially after dark, in heavy traffic, or during inclement weather. Tight time limits place great strain on 18-wheeler operators as they may need to be on the road for extreme lengths of time to meet the deadlines. The standard stressors that come with operating a semi combined with exhaustion can create a deadly outcome.
A fatigued rig driver in Lancaster is less able to respond appropriately to changing traffic patterns, thusly causing a collision. They may also fall asleep behind the wheel, causing them to lose control of their vehicles. A Schiller & Hamilton attorney could help determine the reason for a crash and to hold negligent workers and their employers responsible for the incident.
Determining Fault for Trucking Wrecks
It may seem clear that a trucker’s fatigued driving was the cause of a Lancaster 18-wheeler crash. However, the responsibility still lies on the injured party to demonstrate that the rig driver was to blame for the incident. Driver fatigue can contribute to accidents and entitle people to seek out payments for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma. A reliable attorney could fully investigate the cause of a collision and evaluate how the event has impacted a person’s life.
Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
One way to prove liability is to show that a trucker was in violation of the federal rules that govern maximum drive times. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates rules concerning how many hours a rig operator may be on the road in any specific day or week.
Under this set of laws, a trucker can spend a maximum of 11 hours on the road in any 24-hour period. In addition, these sessions must follow a rest period of at least ten hours. Similar laws control the number of hours that a person may spend on the road in a week. In short, someone can spend a maximum of 60 hours on duty in a seven-day period. Proving violations of these laws is one way to prove fault for an accident.
Call an Attorney about Fatigued Truck Drivers in Lancaster Accidents
Every person has an obligation to keep others safe while behind the wheel. Any action they take that creates dangerous conditions leaves that driver liable for any damage that results. A clear example of this is driving while fatigued. A semi operator who forgoes appropriate rest periods or who violates FMCSA rules is likely to blame for your losses following a crash.
A Schiller & Hamilton lawyer could help you to pursue fair compensation if a fatigued truck driver causes an accident in Lancaster. They work on your side to investigate the crash, measure your losses, and demand compensation from all liable parties. Call our office now to learn more.