Drunk drivers, distracted pedestrians, unpredictable weather – the road is peppered with hazards. Although an accident can happen at any time, the risk of injuries or death is much higher on the highway, where large 18-wheelers are travelling at excessive speeds.
Commercial truck drivers usually undergo extensive training before they hit the road. However, long hours behind the wheel eventually take their toll. Fatigue is a leading cause of tractor-trailer accidents, and any collision with a large truck is likely to end with serious injuries or death.
According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, an estimated one-fifth of all truck crashes are due to drowsy driving. These accidents cause nearly 9,000 fatalities and up to 220,000 injuries every year.
If you were injured in an accident with a drowsy or negligent truck driver in Mississippi, turn to Ballard Law, PLLC. As your personal-injury lawyer in Jackson, William E. Ballard will help you recover the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages.
Mr. Ballard will evaluate the police report and doctors’ records, assess black box data, talk to witnesses and aggressively represent your interests. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation. You can also learn more about truck accident injury lawsuits by visiting USAttorneys.com.
3 Signs a Truck Driver Might Be Fatigued
Truck drivers are often required to cover long distances within strict deadlines. Many truckers work through the night at hours when they would normally sleep.
As outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Hours of Service regulations were enacted to prevent accidents by limiting the number of hours commercial truckers can operate their vehicles. Unfortunately, many CMV drivers violate these laws in an effort to increase their profits or to get back on schedule after unexpected delays.
As such, it is important that all motorists know how to identify a drowsy trucker. Keep your distance from an 18-wheeler if you notice these symptoms of fatigue:
- Swerving Unpredictably: Drowsy and drunk driving share many of the same symptoms, one of which is swerving. If an 18-wheeler is not maintaining a straight trajectory, it may indicate that the driver is fatigued.
- Braking for No Reason: If a truck driver begins to nod off and then wakes up, he or she may tap the brakes or even stop in a panic.
- Ignoring Traffic Signs: Fatigue impairs a driver’s decision-making and alertness, which increases the likelihood that he or she will overlook a traffic sign.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a crash with a negligent truck driver, contact Ballard Law, PLLC. William E. Ballard is a truck accident attorney in Jackson who will guide you through the claims process.
Mr. Ballard will help you avoid mistakes that could reduce the amount of compensation that you ultimately recover, such as signing a general release, unknowingly admitting fault, or making a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation.
