Orland Park, IL Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Attorney

Lawyers Representing Victims Injured in Accidents Caused by Tired Truck Drivers in Orland Park, Illinois

Fatigued driving is a problem on roads everywhere across the United States. People who fall asleep behind the wheel can crash into other vehicles at high speeds, or they may strike obstacles, run off the road, or hit and injure pedestrians. These issues can affect people in any vehicle, but drowsiness and fatigue can be especially dangerous for truck drivers. When a driver loses control of a large commercial vehicle, they can cause large-scale truck accidents that cause serious injuries to multiple people.

When a truck crash has caused serious injuries, victims will want to understand why the accident happened and who was responsible. At Schwartz Injury Law, our attorneys can perform an investigation to determine whether a truck driver was fatigued at the time of the collision, and we can also identify other factors that may have led to the accident. We will work to ensure that the parties who were responsible for a truck accident will be held liable so that an injury victim will be able to receive compensation for their damages. Our team will fight to protect the rights of our clients and ensure that they will have the financial resources they need during their recovery.

Why Truck Accidents May Be Caused by Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a constant concern for truck drivers, who can spend up to 60 hours working during a seven-day period while driving thousands of miles. The "hours of service" regulations that apply to commercial drivers include limits on the amount of time a person can spend driving each day, and regular breaks are also required. However, some truck drivers may not follow these rules. Since they are often paid by the mile, they may try to get as many miles in as possible during a shift, even if that means pushing their limits and continuing to drive while they are tired. Some trucking companies and dispatchers even encourage truck drivers to continue driving well past their physical limits.

Truck drivers may experience fatigue even when they have followed all rules and regulations. While drivers must sleep between shifts, a variety of factors may affect the quality of their sleep, and conditions such as sleep apnea may prevent them from getting enough rest. Some truck drivers may be required to follow irregular schedules or drive at night, which can disrupt their sleep rhythms and make them more likely to become drowsy or tired.

Fatigued driving can be as hazardous as drunk driving. Fatigue can affect a person's reflexes, reaction time, and judgment, making it more difficult to make quick decisions or take the right actions to prevent an accident. Truck drivers need to be able to remain fully alert and in control, and when they become tired or drowsy, they can easily make mistakes. When a driver is extremely tired, they may experience "microsleeps" in which they lose consciousness for brief intervals without even realizing it. When driving large vehicles that have the potential to inflict severe injuries, a brief moment of inattention can have devastating consequences.

Other Concerns That Can Combine With Fatigue to Cause Truck Accidents

A tired driver will be more likely to make dangerous mistakes, and other forms of negligence can also contribute to collisions. They may commit violations such as speeding, tailgating, or illegal lane changes, and if they are too tired to maintain complete control of their trucks, they may run off the road, hit other vehicles from behind, or cause rollover or jackknife accidents. In some cases, truck drivers may try to combat fatigue through drug use, but this can lead to other dangerous behaviors that can cause accidents and injuries.

The dangers of driver fatigue may be enhanced by other forms of negligence. An improperly maintained truck may affect a driver's ability to maintain control, and the effects of fatigue may prevent a driver from recognizing and responding to these issues. When cargo has not been loaded correctly, this may also affect a driver's control of a truck, and an unbalanced load could lead to a rollover or another type of dangerous accident.

Contact Our Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyers for Driver Fatigue

Our attorneys can help determine if truck driver errors involving fatigue or other factors led to a crash that caused you to suffer injuries. We will work to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your damages by the liable parties. Contact our Orland Park, IL truck accident attorneys at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.