Atlanta Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyers

Helping Victims of Drowsy Driver Accidents in Atlanta

Truck wrecks are catastrophic. 18-wheelers are heavy, large, and difficult to control. If someone who is not properly rested gets behind the wheel of a truck, then they are putting everyone around them in incredible danger. Few people walk away from a truck accident unscathed.

We at the Grant Law Office have seen time and time again how dangerous trucks truly are. We’ve worked with clients whose lives have been left in shambles because a trucking company or truck driver was acting negligently. If you or a loved one were involved in an Atlanta truck collision that was caused by a fatigued driver, call us at (404) 995-3955. You need someone to fight on your behalf, helping you win the compensation your need to live a comfortable life.

Back to Top

What Are the Dangers of Driving Fatigue?

Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. When we are overly tired, we lose our ability to behave responsibly and keep ourselves alert. Driving in such a state is dangerous for anyone, but especially truck drivers, considering how large and heavy 18-wheelers are. When you operate a vehicle while fatigued you may begin to:

• Fall asleep at the wheel
• Become easily distracted
• Have a lowered reaction time
• Have difficulty making responsible decisions

When a truck driver operates an 18-wheeler while being overly tired, they not only put themselves at risk, but also everyone driving around them. Driving a truck tired is negligent and irresponsible and can easily result in a catastrophic accident.

Back to Top

Regulations Against Truck Drivers and Fatigue

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) has strict regulations designed to prevent trucker fatigue and enforce hours of service. Truck drivers’ hours are closely monitored and tracked. Drivers are allowed to work no more than 14 hours in a single shift, and only 11 of those hours can be spent driving. During the first 8 hours of their shift, they must be given a 30-minute break. In a single week, truck drivers cannot work more than 70 hours and must be given at least 36 hours of rest time before their next workweek. Companies are also required to keep extensive logs on their drivers’ hours.

While these regulations may seem strict, they play an important role in keeping truck drivers from becoming fatigued while on the road. Companies that don’t follow these rules are breaking the law and acting negligently. Any truck crashes that result from a company pushing their drivers to work longer hours than is allowed is the company’s responsibility.

Back to Top

What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

18-wheelers weigh 80,000 lbs. and can weigh even more when fully loaded. Their weight and size mean that any collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle will result in that passenger vehicle being severely damaged, and the people inside becoming incredibly injured. Some common truck accident injuries are:

• Lacerations
• Fractured, broken or crushed bones
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Burn injuries
• Spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Internal damage
• Permanent disfigurements or disabilities
• Skull fractures

These injuries usually take weeks, if not months, to fully heal. Many of them will leave you with lifelong scars or disabilities that you may never fully recover from. This means that you’ll be left with large medical bills, as well as have to take lengthy periods of time off of work. The financial stresses make an already traumatic situation even worse. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills while trying to recover from an accident that wasn’t even your fault. Those who were responsible for your injuries should do everything they can to make sure your life is comfortable. Unfortunately, they won’t unless you hold them responsible.

Back to Top

Who Is Liable?

When filing a claim, the first step is determining who is responsible for your crash. We can’t determine liability without a proper investigation into your case, as it all depends on the details. However, when it comes to cases of truck driver fatigue, there are two groups that liability usually falls to.

The truck driver: Truck drivers are responsible for making sure they are fit to operate a vehicle before they start their shift every day. If they are overly tired or were not able to get the required rest periods, then they should know better than to get in their truck and put other people’s lives at risk.

The trucking company: However, the driver may only be acting negligently because the company they worked for has pushed them to do so. Companies operate to make a profit. For trucking companies in particular, time is money. So there have been cases where companies push their drivers to skip rest periods and overwork themselves in order to get their goods delivered quickly.

Filing a claim against a large company is never easy. They will fight tooth and nail to keep from having to pay you what you deserve and will hire a team of lawyers to do so. That’s why you need the skill and expertise of an Atlanta truck accident attorney at your side, making sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Back to Top

Atlanta Attorneys Helping You Obtain Rightful Compensation

The Grant Law Office is made up of passionate and dedicated attorneys. We pride ourselves on representing those in need and holding negligent parties responsible for their actions. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, then you deserve justice. Call us at (404) 995-3955 to tell us about your case and learn what options are available to you.

Back to Top