Trucking Accident Lawyer New York, NY
Drowsy Driving and Truck Accidents
Many of us have experienced days that we just can’t wait to come to an end because we are so tired, we worry we can barely keep our eyes open, as a trucking accident lawyer New York, NY trusts can explain. Juggling home, work, and other responsibilities can take its toll on a person’s mental and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to function properly. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially on the road. The number of drowsy driving accidents have increased sharply over the past few years.
Drowsy driving is especially a problem for commercial truck drivers. Tractor-trailer crashes are especially deadly due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries and many do not survive.
Drowsy Driving Crashes
Every year, there are more than 100,000 fatigued driving crashes. Many safety advocates believe that number is much higher, but drivers who are involved in these accidents do not admit they were driving while drowsy. A trucking accident lawyer in New York, NY knows that the hours that truck drivers spend on the road make them particularly susceptible to fatigue-driving accidents. Drivers who are fatigued often suffer from the following:
- A decrease in their coordination. This can impact their braking and steering abilities.
- Fatigue causes their eyes to water and also causes disturbances with their vision.
- Slower reaction times, making it difficult to react to unexpected events that take place on the road.
- Impaired judgment, which can lead to miscalculations and driving errors.
- Higher risk of falling asleep while driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 20 percent of all truck accidents are caused by drowsy driving on the part of the truck driver. As a seasoned trucking accident lawyer in New York, NY knows, this is incredibly high. The agency has also determined that in accidents where other causes were listed, like reckless driving, ignoring traffic lights or signs, and distracted driving, the odds are high that fatigue is also a factor at play.
Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Liability?
So, if a truck driver is fatigued and causes a crash, who is liable for the damages victims suffer because of the injuries they sustained in the crash? As a trucking accident lawyer in New York, NY can explain, there are often multiple liable parties in a truck accident. Although the truck driver may have been driving while drowsy, trucking companies are often to blame for the driver’s condition. Some of the reasons include the following:
- Demanding deadlines, requiring trucks to drive all night to make deliveries
- Not allowing adequate time for rest breaks and meals
- Overloading drivers with responsibilities, including loading, unloading, and truck maintenance, when they are already tired
- Requiring overly heavy schedules, with not enough days off or time spent at home
Contact a Trucking Accident Lawyer in New York, NY
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by a fatigued truck driver, contact Oddo & Babat, P.C. to find out what legal options you may have to obtain financial damages for the losses the injuries have caused. Call our office to meet with a seasoned New York, NY trucking accident lawyer today.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
