Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyer in West Houston

It’s well-known from several studies that fatigue compromises highway safety. Commercial truck drivers that conduct a vehicle while fatigued experience slower response times, poor decision making, and attention failures. Unfortunately, this leads to truck accidents on the road. 

Falling asleep at the wheel has become a significant problem for truck drivers. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that 28% of commercial truck drivers suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea, putting themselves and others at risk.

If you or a loved one is a victim of a truck accident caused by the fatigue of a driver, The Stephens Law Firm is here to help and is known for being one of the most respectful and one of the best car accident lawyers in West Houston

Fatigued Truck Drivers in West Houston, TX 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 13% of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were fatigued at the time of their crash. Why is it then that companies continue to allow drivers extra hours on the road? 

This is mainly because truck drivers feel more pressure to take on extra hours due to low wages. Big companies often fail to put safety over productivity. This, unfortunately, puts not only truck drivers but other motor vehicles on the road at risk, and many times fatalities occur, in that case, contact an accidental death attorney in West Houston without hesitation.

As your law firm, we will be able to look into the history of tired driver infractions at a particular company, which will help you receive compensation for your accident. There are severe penalties for companies failing to abide by these laws, one of which being a lawsuit against both the driver and the company employing them.  

FMCSA Attempts to Improve Road Safety

There have been many steps taken by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to protect both commercial truck drivers and non-drivers against drowsy driving. The legal working hours of truckers have been cut down to 70 hours a week, which is a 12-hour decrease from previous regulations. 

Additionally, following the 70 hours on the road, truckers are required to take a 34-hour break to give them time to rest. During their time on the road, there’s also the 14 hours on/10 hours off rule. This rule requires drivers to rest for 10 hours after driving for 14 hours. Lunch breaks or pit stops don’t count as “off-time” and are included in the 14 hours on. 

Despite these strict laws being in place, a quarter of 18-wheeler operators admit to falling asleep at the wheel. Companies sometimes skirt around these safety protocols to finish their heavy workloads. They place pressure on drivers to complete their routes quickly in order to move on to the next one. It’s unfair to both truckers and those who share the road with them.

Driver Fatigue West Houston Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a truck driver’s negligence, we can help you carry out your case, just call one of the best 18-wheeler injury law firms. There are many legal regulations in place against fatigued driving, which is why we strongly encourage you to get in touch with our experienced team of attorneys. 

We take pride in being transparent and dependable to our clients and will help you receive the compensation you and your family deserve. Call an experienced truck accident lawyers in West Houston today! 

West Houston Tired Driver Truck Accident Attorney