If you or someone you love has become a victim in a commercial truck-related collision, we highly recommend meeting with an attorney for help. When it comes to accidents between these hefty vehicles and much smaller passengers cars, the results could be tragic. We understand you may be suffering from physical pain, substantial stress, and financial loss. We believe in doing what we can for each and every client that walks through our doors.
Any driver that has cruised alongside a commercial truck on the road has likely felt its intimidating presence. This is understandable, as a commercial truck on average weighs about twenty times more than the standard passenger car. If you add a drowsy truck driver to that equation, multiple lives could be lost.
Signs of a Fatigued Truck Driver
Those who witness any driver on the road acting in an odd manner, should notify police right away. Drivers who are responsible for maneuvering commercial trucks must be extra diligent and aware. Due to the sheer size of the vehicle, the amount of damage could be much more than the typical car accident. We encourage people to be proactive about safety, and always keep an eye out for signs that a truck driver is too drowsy to be behind the wheel:
- Head falling forward slowly, as if nodding off
- Frequent yawning and a blank, dull stare ahead
- Truck is slowly wavering within a lane or across many
- Driver appearance looks messy or disheveled due to lack of rest
- The driver seems to have a delayed response time
The Pressures of Commercial Truck Driving
Truck drivers must meet very strict and unrealistic deadlines when transporting goods, materials or chemicals. Due to these pressures, a driver may skip out on much needed rest periods in order to catch up on time. It is not uncommon for a truck driver to drive during normal sleeping hours (between 10pm and 6am) to avoid peak traffic times. Because of the nature of the job, a truck driver may lack the required sleep to operate the vehicle with precision and attention.
Legal Consequences for a Truck Accident
A Bangor truck accident lawyer can go over with you how to seek compensation from the truck driver and/or driving company for the collision. The truck driver may be held liable for your medical costs, vehicle repairs, and loss of wage from missing work to recover. After hearing more about the details surrounding the accident, we can give you options for next steps. The negligent truck driver may face a suspension of CDL (commercial driver’s license), financial liability, and more.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at David Bate Law Office for their insight into truck accidents and personal injury cases.