Truck Accident Due to Driver Fatigue

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Truck accidents can happen for many reasons in the Mineola, NY, area, but truck driver fatigue is among the most common. Accidents caused by truck driver fatigue can lead to catastrophic and even life-threatening injuries for passenger car occupants and anyone else involved in the crash.

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident due to trucker fatigue, the highly experienced legal team at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you secure the full compensation you deserve. That is our never-ending commitment to you. Contact our Mineola personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.

Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck driver fatigue poses significant risks on the road. When truckers become tired or sleepy, their ability to operate their vehicles safely diminishes dramatically. This fatigue can lead to:

  • Impaired judgment – Fatigue can cloud a driver’s decision-making abilities.
  • Microsleeps – Brief periods of unconsciousness can occur without the driver realizing it.
  • Reduced awareness – Exhausted truckers may fail to notice other vehicles or road hazards.
  • Slower reaction times – Tired drivers may not respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic.

These factors significantly increase the likelihood of severe accidents, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Work Hour Restrictions for New York Truck Drivers

New York follows federal regulations that limit truck drivers’ work hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. These rules include:

  • 11-hour driving limit – Truckers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten hours off duty.
  • 14-hour work day limit – Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after commencing their shift.
  • 60/70-hour limit – Truckers must not drive after 60 on-duty hours in seven straight days or 70 on-duty hours in eight straight days.
  • 30-minute breaks – Drivers must take a 30-minute rest when they have driven for eight hours.

These restrictions aim to ensure truckers get adequate rest between shifts, reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Who Is Liable for Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue?

Determining liability in truck driver fatigue accidents can be complicated. Potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The trucking company, if they encouraged or pressured drivers to exceed legal work hours
  • The truck driver, if they violated hours-of-service regulations or drove while knowingly fatigued
  • Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect in the truck’s parts or its systems contributed to the driver’s fatigue

We will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all at-fault parties and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court if necessary. We never quit.

Contact our Mineola Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

The path toward recovery after a truck accident can be challenging, but working with a truck accident lawyer in Mineola can help you optimize your chances of success. The team at Finz & Finz, P.C. has recovered nearly one billion dollars on behalf of our clients, and we are ready to fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.