Truck drivers are essential for transporting products across the country, but the job can be tiring due to the long hours and constant concentration. Unfortunately, fatigue is a major contributor to truck accidents, causing an estimated 18,000 accidents per year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association. If a fatigued truck driver caused your injuries, our experienced attorneys at Feller & Wendt are here to help fight for your rights and seek justice.
We have over 75 years of collective experience working on the most complex truck accident claims, including those involving fatigued drivers. Therefore, our lawyers have the skills and knowledge to take on your case. With our proven track record, personalized approach, and comprehensive services, you can focus on recovery while we handle every aspect of your claim. Our compassionate lawyers understand the legal process can be confusing, so we communicate with you every step of the way and help you know what to expect.
What Are the FMSCA’s Rules for Truckers to Prevent Fatigue?
With such a large amount of truck accidents resulting from fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented strict rules to keep truck drivers safe and prevent collisions. These regulations include the following:
- Cannot work more than 14 hours consecutively
- Maximum consecutive travel time is 11 hours
- Must tally 10 hours of rest while off duty
- Cannot drive more than 60 hours per 7 on-duty days
- Cannot drive more than 70 hours per 8 on-duty days
If a trucking company fails to abide by these rules and overworks their drivers, they may be liable for a truck accident. However, fatigue can result from other factors, including inadequate sleep, laborious work or non-work activities, medication that induces drowsiness, and a combination of these factors. Our skilled lawyers can help determine whose negligence caused the fatigue-related accident so you can secure compensation for your damages.
How to Prove Truck Driver Fatigue Caused an Accident in Arizona?
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident due to the driver’s fatigue, your claim must prove the liable party owed you a duty of care, neglected that duty by causing driver fatigue, and this negligence directly caused the collision and your injuries. We can help you gather evidence to prove these points, including the following:
- GPS and toll receipts: The truck’s GPS and toll receipts may provide insight into how long the driver had been on the road, demonstrating their fatigue.
- Police report: When officers arrive at the scene, they may look for signs of sleep deprivation in the truck driver and note them in their report. Any evidence of an exhausted truck driver in the police report can be crucial.
- Logbooks: Most trucks use an electronic logging device (ELD) to monitor drivers’ hours, or drivers have to log their hours themselves if driving an older truck. We may use these logs to prove the driver drove more than the FMCSA rules allow.
- No accident avoidance: A common sign of a fatigued driver is the lack of accident avoidance. Typically, an alert driver would veer away from potential crashes, but an overtired driver may not have this same alertness.
With our unbeatable comprehensive services and efficiency, our Feller & Wendt lawyers can help you build a solid claim that gives you the best chance of achieving a fair settlement.
Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Arizona Truck Accident Lawyer at Feller & Wendt to Learn More About Your Claim
When driving in Arizona, drivers often have to share the road with trucks. If a truck driver causes a crash due to fatigue, it can be challenging to know where to start in seeking justice. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. Our dedicated lawyers at Feller & Wendt are here to effectively and efficiently manage every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery and have a stress-free experience.
We have proudly provided Arizona truck accident victims with top-notch legal services since 2009. These services begin with a free case evaluation, where we listen to your story and understand your needs to develop a customized plan. To schedule yours, call us at (480) 702-2277 or fill out our contact form.
