Driving any vehicle while fatigued can substantially increase the risk of an accident. Fatigued drivers have slower reflexes, difficulty processing, and can even fall asleep behind the wheel. Unfortunately, fatigued truck drivers can cause even more severe injuries due to the large size of the vehicle.
Fatigued truck drivers in Albuquerque accidents often lead to devastating injuries and a complicated claim process. Working with a truck crash lawyer could make it easier for you to recover the compensation you deserve.
Under federal law, truck drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour window each day, after which they have to take at least a 10-hour break before they get back behind the wheel. Truckers should also take at least a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours. Even with these limits, however, truck drivers may face high levels of fatigue and road haze behind the wheel.
Truck drivers often spend long hauls away from their families and may end up sleeping in unfamiliar or uncomfortable locations, further increasing overall fatigue.
After a fatigued truck driver causes an accident in Albuquerque, the injured person can file a claim for compensation for their injuries. The first step in filing that claim is determining who bears liability for the incident. Ultimately, truck drivers bear liability for the decisions they make behind the wheel, including the decision to keep driving while fatigued.
However, the trucking company may also bear direct liability for some types of fatigued truck driving accidents. For example:
A lawyer could help establish the trucking company’s practices and whether the company’s negligent actions contributed to the risk of a fatigued truck driver accident, including whether the company has policies that could increase the risk of accidents.
Drowsy truck drivers can cause serious injuries in an accident, especially if they fall asleep behind the wheel. The injured person has the right to seek compensation for both their financial losses and their non-monetary damages after the incident. Claims commonly include compensation for:
In addition, when the injured person sustains serious injuries that will have a long-term impact, they can pursue compensation for anticipated future medical costs and lost earning potential. A lawyer could help establish the value of those damages and the compensation the injured person should expect.
Fatigued truck drivers in Albuquerque accidents often mean complicated claims, since you may need to establish whether the trucking company had knowledge of the fatigued truck driver’s actions or their need for additional rest. An experienced lawyer could prove instrumental in navigating the claim process, establishing liability, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact NMAF to connect with an experienced legal team dedicated to supporting our community.
