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Columbia, MO Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

When the driver of a tractor-trailer is overtired, there is the fear of falling asleep at the wheel, thereby taking their eyes off of the road. Even if they are to remain conscious, the dangers are a lack of reaction time and a lack of awareness of surrounding traffic activity. Driving while fatigued is a violation of federal regulation and often it is a violation of a trucking company’s own internal policies and procedures. If the company says they could only drive for eight hours at a stretch and they drive nine, it is a violation. It could be a company policy to call in when a driver is feeling overly tired. A driver who is overtired is just as dangerous as an intoxicated motorist.

If you or a loved one were injured due to a negligent motorist, a Columbia, MO truck driver fatigue accident lawyer could help you seek compensation for damages. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney could investigate your accident, collect evidence, and calculate the value of your case. Speak to our skilled legal team at the A.W. Smith Law Firm. We will work hard to help you recover compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Driver Fatigue

The leading causes of driver fatigue that leads to tractor-trailer accidents in Columbia is violating federal regulations by driving over the federally regulated drive time and taking on too many shifts in a shortened period of time. Often, an operator may go to the cabin of their truck to try to achieve the minimum amount of hours of sleep. Sometimes sleep does not come, and they get behind the wheel while still being in a fatigued and tired state.

Another common situation is when drivers want to make it to a location at a specific time and are willing to drive further even when they are fatigued in order to make it to that destination on time.

Assigning Liability For a Tractor-Trailer Collision

The reason why there are governmental regulations and certain safety protocols instituted by these trucking companies is not only for the safety of the driver but for the safety of the general public. It is frequently based on science to determine whether these individuals exceed the number of hours that they should be driving behind the wheel.

The driver will most likely be responsible first before the trucking company can be held accountable as well. In order to hold the trucking company responsible under the theory of vicarious liability, they have to find the employee negligent first. In order to hold the truck company liable, they have to have some type of responsibility for the collision. Often, the negligence of the driver can be attributed to the trucking company due to over assigning hours, a lack of monitoring a driver’s hours, a lack of safety training, or a lack of abiding by federal regulations.

A diligent Columbia truck driver fatigue accident attorney could review the facts of the case and determine which party is responsible for damages.

Seek Help From a Columbia Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Attorney

When a driver operates a truck while fatigued, they have a loss of concentration and a lack of awareness which could cause devastating damages. Deviation from standard driving regulations while driving tired could greatly influence liability.

Our dedicated legal team at the A.W. Smith law firm have experience with truck accident collisions and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. We are ready to take on your case. Speak to a Columbia truck driver fatigue accident lawyer to learn about your legal options and eligibility to recover compensation for damages. Call now.