The U.S. economy largely depends on commercial trucking, and yet, commercial trucking poses a significant danger in cases when the drivers fail to use their vehicles safely. Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous threats on the Virginia highways. Fatigue-related accidents are a constant focus in Harrisonburg because I-81 is one of the main trucking corridors. This can be disastrous when a truck operator drives under the influence of fatigue to the point of not being able to drive. A Harrisonburg Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Lawyer is important in assisting the victims and their families in obtaining justice and getting fair compensation.
Reasons Why Drowsy Driving is Dangerous
Fatigued driving is almost an equivalent of alcohol-impaired driving. Research indicates that the inability to sleep (18 to 24 hours) delays a driver’s reaction time, attention, and judgment just as much as when under the influence. The risks are compounded with truck drivers who operate motor vehicles having up to 80,000 pounds of weight.
- Wander out of their range.
- Miss the decelerated or stagnant traffic
- Experience lagged braking response times.
- Sleep at the wheel altogether
Multi-car accidents in which devastating injuries or loss of life can occur as a result of mere lack of attention occur frequently on heavily traveled roadways such as I-81 near Harrisonburg.
The Causes of Drowsy Driving in the Truck Industry
Trucking drivers are commonly subjected to special pressures, which predisposes them to fatigue. A few of the common causes are
Working Long Hours : Although the US federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations enforce restrictions on the number of hours that one is allowed to spend on the road, some go beyond those federal regulations.
Hectic Delivery Schedules : Trucking companies at times pressure the drivers to meet their deadlines, which results in unsafe practices.
Sleep Disorders :Â Can be a conflict when it comes to giving the driver a chance of sleeping well.
Driving at Night : Overnight driving work schedules confuse the natural sleeping pattern of a driver.
Insufficient Breaks in Rest : A failure to take a break to remain timely will result in potentially fatal fatigue.
Fatal Effects of the Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue
Trucks being in huge amounts and weights tend to bring devastating consequences to the victims of the accidents that happen owing to fatigue.
- The injuries of brain trauma
- Neuro-paralysis and destruction of the spinal cord
- Fractures and consequent broken bones
- Trauma and internal bleeding, internal bleeding, and damage of the organs
- Burns due to fire or blasts
- Wrongful death
Care of such injuries can be costly in terms of medical care, rehabilitation, or support of the ill person requiring lifelong support, and families are faced with immense financial and emotional problems.
How a Harrisonburg Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Claims in relation to truck accidents are more complicated than those of car accident claims. The professional advice of a lawyer in Harrisonburg can be of great help by:
Investigating Cases : Logbook, the black box data, GPS records, and driver schedules can be reviewed to test the indication of HOS violations.
Trucking Company Practices : A review that would reflect on whether the company prioritized unsafe driving or was not inspecting adherence.
Evidence Collection : Work with an accident reconstructionist, medical expert, and witnesses to create a successful case.
Bargaining with Insurance Companies : Making sure that trucking and insurance firms are not allowed to reduce rightful claims or reject them.
Taking it to Court : Fighting to obtain the highest level of compensation whenever the settlement fails.
Investigating the causes that lead to the development of fatigue, as well as setting negligence beyond any doubt, the attorneys contribute toward justice for the victims.
Conclusion
Sleepy drivers are a major danger along the busy highway roads in Harrisonburg, particularly along I-81, where the traffic density of commercial trucks is ever present. The financial and emotional repercussions of the accidents that often happen to be the faults of the respective victims should not be left upon the victims alone. Drowsy driving truck accident lawyers in Harrisonburg supply the legal representation, investigative tools, and trial personnel required to make careless tow truck drivers and firms responsible. With the hiring of a competent attorney, the victims and their families find themselves in a position to concentrate on recovering as they also seek the justice and compensation to which they are entitled.
