Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue in South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our truck accident attorneys in Rock Hill and Fort Mill know many factors can contribute to 18-wheeler crashes throughout South Carolina, and many of them — like truck driver fatigue — are preventable.
Our York County personal injury attorneys also know when negligence changes our clients’ lives, they deserve access to reliable, experienced, and compassionate legal representation that will allow them to reclaim their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. That is what we offer.
How Many South Carolina Truck Accidents Are Caused By Truck Driver Fatigue?
The National Transportation Safety Board is the federal agency that investigates truck accidents throughout the country to help determine the cause of these dangerous collisions — in hopes that future crashes can be prevented.
In their estimation, driver fatigue plays a role in up to 40% of all commercial truck crashes that occur nationwide.
Locally, 82 people lost their lives in collisions involving a semi-truck in South Carolina last year.
Unlike drivers under the influence of alcohol, there is no way to measure how exhausted a truck driver might be. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the risks can be the same as those caused by an intoxicated driver, like those operating a vehicle on four to five hours of sleep exhibit some of the same risks as drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of intoxication.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Truck Driver Fatigue?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict Hours of Service Guidelines that dictate how long a semi-truck driver can be behind the wheel without taking a break or complete-time off to help avoid drowsy or fatigued drivers operating a potentially 80,000-pound vehicle.
When these regulations are violated, the driver and the trucking company may be liable for an accident that occurs while the fatigued driver is behind the wheel.
Despite those requirements, some of the reasons truck drivers exhibit signs of fatigue may include their demanding schedules that require long travel days and nights to ensure their deliveries are made on time, and the intense pressure to perform from their employers.
When trucking companies place profits over safety, everyone on our roadways is in danger.
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys In Fort Mill, South Carolina At The David W. Martin Law Group Today
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a South Carolina truck accident caused by the semi driver’s negligence, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Rock Hill and Fort Mill to schedule a consultation today by calling 803-548-2468 or contact us online to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the negligent person or parties that are liable for your injuries or loss.
