If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know what steps to take next. A Chicago fatigued truck driving accident lawyer in the law offices of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is experienced in this area of personal injury law, and stands ready to help you with your case.
Fatigue is a state of extreme tiredness or exhaustion that affects a person’s physical and mental capacity. In the context of a trucking company and driving, fatigue can be caused by long hours on the road without proper rest breaks, irregular sleep patterns and extended work shifts.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
There are several factors that can contribute to a truck crash and driver fatigue, including:
Long work hours: Truck drivers are often required to work long shifts, sometimes up to 14 hours a day, which can lead to exhaustion and impaired driving abilities.
Irregular sleep patterns: Due to the demands of their job, truck drivers may have irregular sleep schedules and struggle with getting enough restful sleep.
Pressure to meet deadlines: Trucking companies and clients may put pressure on drivers to deliver goods within tight timeframes, leading them to push themselves beyond safe limits.
How Serious Is the Problem of Fatigued Driving in Illinois?
According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), drowsy driving accounted for 1.6% of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2021 and 1.8% of fatal crashes from 2017 to 2021.
However, the Safety Board believes these numbers underrepresented driver fatigue, especially among commercial truck drivers, which research suggests contributes to 30-40% of heavy truck accidents.
What Federal Regulations Govern Fatigued Truck Driving?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA has set regulations to prevent fatigued driving among truck drivers, ensuring adequate rest and improved road safety.
One key rule is the Hours of Service (HOS), which mandates a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
The HOS rules also limit driving to a 14-hour window with a maximum of 11 hours of driving time within that period.
How Can a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
Truck accident victims who suffered severe injuries in trucking accidents caused by fatigued driving, can seek help from experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers. They can guide you through the legal process and fight for fair compensation.
Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:
Investigating the accident thoroughly to gather evidence of fatigue or other contributing factors
Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf for fair compensation
Representing you in court if necessary to seek maximum damages for your injuries and losses
How Can My Attorney Prove the Driver Was Fatigued at the Time of the Trucking Accident?
Your lawyer can help gather evidence such as the driver’s logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) records, company dispatch records, and any available surveillance footage. Witness testimony and expert analysis can also be critical in proving driver fatigue.
What Type of Compensation Might I Receive?
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by fatigued driving, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills and other medical expenses, including ongoing treatment and future medical needs
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident caused by fatigued driving, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today.
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Get in touch today for your free consultation with one of our skilled truck accidents attorneys.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, get help from a Chicago fatigued truck driving accident lawyer.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!
(312) 223-1700