A truck driver has state and federal regulations he or she must abide by concerning the number of hours he or she can drive a tractor-trailer consecutively. Disobeying these regulations can lead to a serious truck accident. There are many reasons why serious truck accidents occur.
Falling Asleep at the Wheel
When a truck driver drives for more than the allowable hours per day, he or she becomes fatigued. Fatigue can lead to the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Falling asleep at the wheel can cause the truck to veer into another lane, smashing into a vehicle traveling in the same direction. It also can cause a head-on collision if the truck drives into oncoming traffic.
Inattention While Driving
The fatigue that results from driving for too long can lead to inattention and truck accident-causing mistakes, such as changing lanes without looking first. Not paying attention to traffic ahead could cause a truck driver to override the car in front of the truck, or slam on the brakes, causing the following car to underride the tractor-trailer.
Contact an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
It can be difficult to know if a truck accident was caused by inattention. However, if the truck driver completed the logbook as required, it will show whether he or she drove more than what state and federal regulations command.
If you’ve been a victim of a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a truck accident claim with an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer. Contact one at the Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 to schedule a consultation.