Fatigued Truck Drivers in Clearwater Accidents

Truck driver fatigue is a serious safety issue that the federal government works to prevent through strict regulations. These laws limit the number of hours a trucker can drive in a day or a week and require mandatory rest breaks to reduce the risk of drowsy driving.

Truckers and their employers can be held responsible for injuries you suffer from a fatigued truck driver in a Clearwater accident. At Herman & Wells, our experienced tractor-trailer collision attorneys could fight to get fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the emotional trauma from your injuries.

How Is Fatigue While Driving Defined?

Fatigue is the result of physical or mental exertion to the point that reflexes and decision-making become impaired. Truckers can experience fatigue by working too many hours, performing strenuous duties such as loading and unloading cargo, failing to get restful sleep before a long haul, or driving with a combination of these circumstances.

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study also found that the most fatigued truckers drive at night and are less alert, particularly after midnight. Fatigued truckers driving for long hours late at night are the most likely to cause catastrophic accidents in Clearwater. If you are hurt in an accident, a dedicated attorney from our firm could support you in your injury case.

Federal Law and Fatigued Truck Drivers

The Code of Federal Regulations § 392.3 forbids truck drivers from operating a big rig when their alertness and driving ability have become compromised by fatigue. In serious emergencies, a trucker can continue driving to the nearest safe place where the danger can be de-escalated.

Federal law also implements restrictions on a trucker’s day by:

• Limiting the workday to 11 hours following at least 10 consecutive hours off work, although this could extend by two hours if the trucker encounters adverse driving conditions
• Allowing a division of the 10-hour break if one off-duty period is for two hours and at least seven hours are spent in the sleeper berth, provided all sleeper berth pairings total at least 10 hours
• Mandating that drivers must take a 30-minute non-driving break after driving for eight hours
• Holding truckers to 60 hours of driving in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days
• Legislating that the mandate for seven or eight consecutive days begins again after the trucker takes at least 34 consecutive hours away from work

Overexerted truck drivers in Clearwater who fail to obey these rules due to pressure from their company or the incentive of a promised bonus pose grave risks of accidents. Our attorneys at Herman & Wells are experienced investigators, negotiators, and litigators who could help you with your injury case.

Call Our Skilled Attorneys To Hold Fatigued Truck Drivers Accountable for Your Collision in Clearwater

If you do not have experience with insurance settlement negotiations, our attorneys, who are skilled in cases involving fatigued truck drivers in Clearwater accidents, could help you seek fair compensation for your injuries. At Herman & Wells, we maintain close communication with you so that you understand the status of your case at all times and are comfortable with its direction.

Our mission is to restore your dignity and give you confidence in the legal system. We may be able to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Call now to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer at Herman & Wells.