Virginia Fatigued Trucker Accident Attorney

Helping Victims of Sleep-Deprived & Exhausted Truck Drivers in Virginia

Truck drivers operate under a lot of pressure to meet tight deadlines, and some respond to these tension-filled situations by driving well over their legal hours of duty in a desperate attempt to keep a steady income going.

If you suspect that a truck driver’s substandard driving behavior or performance may have caused your personal injury accident, your hunch may be correct, as truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents in this country.

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we understand the severe consequences of fatigued trucker accidents and are here to help victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, our Virginia fatigued driving accident attorneys can provide experienced legal representation to protect your rights.

Contact us to speak with our team today: (571) 486-4798. Your complete satisfaction is our priority.

Common Causes of Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving among truckers occurs when a driver continues to operate their vehicle despite feeling physically or mentally tired. This can drastically impair their reaction times, judgment, and overall driving ability, putting other road users at significant risk.

Some common causes of truck driver fatigue include:

• Long Driving Hours: Truck drivers often work long shifts, especially those hauling goods over great distances. The pressure to meet tight delivery schedules may compel them to drive for extended periods, leading to fatigue.
• Inadequate Rest Breaks: Despite regulations that mandate rest breaks, some drivers skip or shorten these breaks to stay on schedule. This can lead to physical exhaustion and reduced attentiveness behind the wheel.
• Pressure from Employers: Trucking companies sometimes pressure their drivers to deliver goods on time, even if it means violating rest and sleep requirements. This creates a dangerous environment where truckers may feel forced to drive while fatigued.
• Poor Sleep Habits: Truck drivers frequently sleep in their vehicles and may not get the rest they need. Poor sleeping conditions and irregular sleep patterns contribute to fatigue during long hauls.
• Medical Conditions: Some drivers may suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which causes interrupted sleep and can result in extreme tiredness during the day. Drivers may not always disclose these conditions, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

FMCSA Regulations Related to Fatigued Driving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations in place to combat driver fatigue and reduce truck accidents caused by drowsy driving. These regulations, known as Hours of Service (HOS) rules, set clear guidelines for the amount of time truck drivers can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks.

Important provisions include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truck drivers are permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This rule is designed to prevent extended periods of driving that could lead to fatigue.
• 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers must not exceed a 14-hour window from the time they begin their workday. This includes all driving and non-driving activities, ensuring that drivers do not overextend their work hours.
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: After 8 consecutive hours of driving, truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute rest break. This break allows drivers to rest and refresh before continuing their journey.
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: The FMCSA limits truck drivers to 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days, or 70 hours over eight consecutive days. After reaching this limit, drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new driving period.

Despite these regulations, violations are not uncommon, and trucking companies or drivers may cut corners to meet tight deadlines, increasing the likelihood of accidents caused by fatigued driving.

Who is Liable for a Fatigued Trucker Accident?

In many cases, the truck driver is primarily responsible for causing the accident due to negligence, such as driving beyond their legal hours or ignoring signs of fatigue.

Trucking companies can be held liable if they encourage or pressure their drivers to violate FMCSA regulations, fail to enforce safety policies, or neglect to monitor their drivers’ hours of service. Companies are responsible for ensuring their employees follow the law and drive safely.

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we are dedicated to helping victims of fatigued truck driver accidents. Our team of experienced Virginia fatigued driving accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable. We have extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations and are committed to maximizing your entitled compensation.

Call (571) 486-4798 to speak to our fatigued truck driver accident lawyers today.