Fatigued Truck Operators

Commercial truck operators are also commonly known as “semi drivers” or operators of a “tractor-trailer”. These are the “big rigs” seen on the roadway often hauling material that have a combined weight equal to or exceeding the weight of a locomotive or the space shuttle. There are no minor collisions when a commercial truck is involved. Most collisions with a semi result in death or catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, spinal injuries, head injuries, closed head injuries, broken bones, and burns.

State and federal law limit the number of hours a semi driver may operate their truck within a 24-hour period. Most companies have required that an electronic log be maintained by their drivers reflecting their hours of operation, but those restrictions are sometimes ignored resulting in a fatigued operator behind the wheel of the largest equipment on our roadways. This is a recipe for disaster.

Fatigued truck operators often fall asleep behind the wheel, drift from one lane to the other, exhibit poor reflexes, and, in extreme cases, suffer hallucinations. Studies have shown a fatigued commercial operator will often exhibit reactions and behavior similar to a drunk driver. At the Vogel Law Firm, our experience has confirmed the studies showing a high likelihood that a fatigued truck driver will be involved in a catastrophic crash.

When hired by the family of someone who was killed or injured by a fatigued truck driver, the Vogel Law Firm will immediately request that all documentation regarding the truck driver be preserved so we can investigate the driver’s level of fatigue. This will include a request for all routes the driver took prior to the collision, bills of lading, fuel receipts, and copies of the driver’s log, among other things. It is important that we investigate the truck crash as quickly as possible so we can preserve this evidence. Unlike other crashes, when a truck driver is involved in a collision, the driver’s employer and its insurance carrier will often have representatives on scene before the carnage is cleared from the roadway.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

If you have been injured or have had a family member killed in a collision with a semi or other commercial truck, our Personal Injury Attorneys are here to help you every step of your case. Get started with our firm today. Call our office at 701-237-6983 or contact us online at www.vogellaw.com to schedule a consultation.