Truck drivers are only human. They make mistakes and poor decisions just like anyone else. However, when truck drivers make errors, they are often behind the wheel of giant vehicles that may weigh up to 80,000 pounds and driving at speeds up to 55 miles per hour or more. Therefore, truck driver errors are often more costly in both money and human livelihood than mistakes made on the road by other drivers. If a truck driver has caused an accident in which you suffered injury and other damages, you deserve to be reimbursed by filing a personal injury claim. You should call a knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss a possible case.
There are many common truck driver errors. Some of these include:
- Fatigued driving: Drivers often drive long shifts with few breaks on monotonous highways. This can lead to drowsiness, loss of focus, and even dozing off behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict violations regarding hours of service to limit fatigued driving, but drivers often violate these rules.
- Distracted driving: Drivers often try to find ways to pass the time during the long hours on the road alone. The listen to CB radios, audiobooks, podcasts, and talk on hands free cell phones. All of these things can cause cognitive distraction. Other distracting activities include eating, grooming, and have passengers in the cab.
- DUI: Truck drivers often use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate depression, loneliness, or even just boredom. Drug use is also common to help drivers feel alert and stay awake longer.
These are only some of the errors that truck drivers make that cause accidents. If you have been injured because a truck driver was driving while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you deserve to be compensated for all of your injuries and related expenses. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you recover for you injuries. Call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation.