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It is well-known that operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be incredibly dangerous, but driving while fatigued can be equally unsafe. Studies have shown that fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time just as much as alcohol.
Commercial truck operators are particularly prone to fatigue while driving, given the long hours they spend on the road. If you were injured in a fatigued truck driver accident in Fort Mill, you may be able to take legal action. A qualified tractor-trailer collision attorney at Schiller & Hamilton could help you pursue a civil case.
Trucking Regulations in Fort Mill
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets many rules and regulations in the trucking industry. This agency determines the number of hours a trucker is allowed to drive consecutively in a day and non-consecutively in a week.
The FMCSA also specifies the required number and length of rest periods drivers must be allowed to take during their shifts. These laws were put in place to ensure commercial vehicles are awake and alert while driving. A lawyer who focuses on truck wrecks could provide more information about federal regulations regarding fatigued driving.
Potential Liable Parties in Fatigued Driver Accidents
In many truck crashes resulting from speeding or drunk driving, the operator of the vehicle is the primary liable person. However, in a tractor-trailer wreck caused by fatigue, there may be other responsible parties.
While many trucking companies adhere to federal laws specifying work hours and rest periods, some corporations compel their employees to ignore these requirements to meet quotas. If an employer gives illegal instructions to their driver, the trucking company may be liable for an accident related to fatigue. A knowledgeable local attorney could help a plaintiff determine who bears liability for their damages in a fatigued truck driver case.
Recovering Damages After a Tractor-Trailer Wreck
Once negligence is proven, the plaintiff must determine the value of their injuries and damages. This process can be made easier by working with seasoned legal counsel.
Documentary evidence such as medical bills and police reports can be crucial to establishing the injured party’s losses. A truck accident victim may be able to recover compensation for various economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages during recovery from injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity due to long-term injuries
- Repair or replacement of property damaged in the crash
Plaintiffs could also seek non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of consortium. A truck accident lawyer in the area could help injured parties calculate the potential damages available in a fatigued driver claim.
Seek Legal Counsel After a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident in Fort Mill
It can be difficult to handle a truck accident case on your own. However, retaining experienced legal counsel could help you reach a favorable resolution to your claim.
Our firm has the resources to support you after a fatigued truck driver accident in Fort Mill. Call our office today to set up a consultation and start working on your claim.