Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, as it reportedly plays a role in causing about 13 percent of all truck accidents in the U.S. (according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]). In fact, the following truck driver fatigue statistics – as compiled and reported by the FMCSA – elucidate the nature of this problem:

Truck drivers reported falling asleep behind the wheel in about 7 percent of all truck accidents.
In more than 40 percent of all truck accidents, truck drivers reported that they had been experiencing minor truck driver fatigue and/or driver distraction immediately prior to the truck accident.
Approximately 25% of truck drivers have reportedly fallen asleep at the wheel within the last month.
On average, truck drivers get less than 5 hours of sleep (despite the fact that, on average, adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep in order to feel rested and maintain their health).
Truck driver fatigue resulting from less than 5 hours of sleep for at least two consecutive nights can have the same impact as driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.10 (i.e., such truck driver fatigue can be as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs).

Combatting Truck Driver Fatigue

Given that truck driver fatigue is a serious and yet preventable problem, the FMCSA has instituted federal hours-of-service regulations that are intended to:

Limit the number of hours truck drivers are legally allowed to drive trucks (either per day or per week).
Require truck drivers to have a specific number of “off hours” during which they should rest or sleep.
Reduce the incidence of truck accidents caused by truck driver fatigue.

Despite these federal regulations, however, many truck drivers will still not obtain an adequate amount of rest and, as a result, may put other drivers’ lives at risk by operating their trucks when fatigued. If truck driver fatigue plays a role in causing an accident, injured parties:

Will likely have a claim against the negligent truck driver and/or trucking company
Can obtain compensation for their medical bills, injuries, property damage and mental anguish by pursuing a truck accident lawsuit.

Boulder Truck Accident Lawyer

Since 2011, the Boulder truck accident lawyer at Cederberg Law has been successful at securing results and compensation for people who have been seriously injured in truck accidents caused by other individuals’ negligence and recklessness. Having handled countless cases, our attorney and his legal team have a deep understanding of the law, as well as the legal experience to fiercely defend your rights in any legal setting. Our trusted lawyer is a formidable force that will not back down until you secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, expenses and losses.

At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyer makes hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident – or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the left-hand side of the screen to learn more about your rights and receive a thorough, professional evaluation of your case for free.