Denver Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

Denver Driver Fatigue Accident Attorney Serving Colorado

Of the different types of motor vehicle collisions that take place on roads in Colorado and throughout the United States, truck accidents are among the most dangerous. 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks are massive, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, and they can inflict catastrophic injuries on people in passenger vehicles in a collision. Because of these risks, truck drivers need to be able to remain in complete control of their vehicles at all times, ensuring that they can follow the correct safety procedures and avoid accidents. Unfortunately, the conditions these drivers work under can make this difficult. Long hours on the road, irregular schedules, and other factors can increase the likelihood of truck driver fatigue, which is a common factor in many truck accident cases.

At The Gold Law Firm, we know how dangerous truck accidents can be, and we understand the difficulties that victims often face as they recover from their injuries. Establishing liability for these accidents is not always easy, and victims may be unsure about how they can show that a truck driver acted negligently by driving while they were drowsy or fatigued. With our experience in these types of cases, we can help victims take the correct steps to protect their interests. We will work to ensure that negligent truck drivers and their employers will be held responsible for the damages caused in a truck accident.

Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue

Spending multiple hours behind the wheel in a single stretch can be difficult for anyone. Even though truck drivers are trained in the safe operation of 18-wheelers and experienced in making long journeys on a regular basis, they are still likely to become fatigued after many hours on the road. This can lead to drowsiness, especially when a truck driver is nearing the end of a long shift, driving at night, or working irregular hours.

If a truck driver falls asleep while behind the wheel, this is likely to lead to dangerous collisions. If a truck is in motion when a driver falls asleep, it may drift out of its lane of traffic, striking other vehicles or forcing them off the road. If a truck enters oncoming traffic, head-on collisions may occur, and these may be fatal to other drivers or passengers. Even if a truck driver closes their eyes for a moment or briefly nods off, they may lose control of their vehicle. This may result in rear-end collisions or multiple other types of accidents, or a truck may strike a pedestrian or bicyclist.

To help prevent driver fatigue, state and federal laws limit the number of hours truck drivers can spend on the road during a shift. Truck drivers are also required to take regular breaks and get sleep between shifts. However, even when abiding by these regulations, truck drivers are likely to experience fatigue. Due to long waiting times when trucks are being loaded and unloaded, drivers often struggle to get enough rest, and even if they spend time in a truck's sleeper berth, this is no guarantee that they will receive the quality sleep they need to prevent fatigue. In some cases, the likelihood of drowsiness and fatigue may be increased due to health issues that affect truck drivers, the use of alcohol or drugs, and dispatchers or other trucking company personnel encouraging drivers to continue driving even if doing so would be unsafe.

Contact Our Denver County Truck Accident Attorneys for Driver Fatigue

When truck accidents occur because drivers were drowsy or fatigued, victims can take steps to pursue compensation for their injuries. Negligent truck drivers and their employers may be held liable for multiple types of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers have helped numerous clients recover compensation for truck accident injuries, and we are prepared to fight for your rights and ensure that you will receive the full compensation you deserve. Contact us and set up a complimentary consultation by calling 303-694-4653.