The Impact of Fatigue on Commercial Vehicle Driver Safety - Free Laredo Case Review at Carabin Shaw

Commercial vehicle drivers must prioritize sleep and adhere to driving time regulations to prevent fatigued driving. Unfortunately, many drivers are under immense pressure from their employers to meet tight deadlines and maximize the company’s earnings. These long working hours and unrealistic deadlines are the most common factors leading to driver fatigue. If you believe driver fatigue may have caused your Laredo commercial vehicle accident, contact the top Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw today to discuss your legal options.

In such cases, holding the commercial vehicle's driver, the driver’s employer/trucking company, or another party responsible for your accident and damages may be possible. Other parties that may be found negligent include cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, and more. If you or someone you love was recently injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Laredo, Texas, the expert local attorneys at Carabin Shaw will fight hard on your behalf to ensure you are awarded the compensation you deserve.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Laredo TX

Laredo was the site of almost 800 commercial vehicle accidents in 2023. While only two of those accidents were fatal, collisions with these vehicles can often lead to serious injuries and damages due to their increased size and weight. Commercial vehicles and their drivers are responsible for hauling various products and goods, including consumer products, refrigerated/perishable goods, construction materials, liquids, livestock, hazardous materials, etc.

In Laredo, commercial vehicles are common on roads and highways, such as I-35, US 59, and the World Trade Bridge. The city’s proximity to Mexico makes it ideal for trading and exporting goods, such as manufactured, agricultural, industrial, consumer, construction, and food and beverage products. If you were struck by one of these vehicles, contact the Laredo TX commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Carabin Chaw today. We offer a free case review to discuss your legal options with no obligation. Call 800-862-1260 at any time of day or night.

Understanding Vicarious Liability in Texas Lawsuits

Vicarious liability is a broad legal concept that outlines when someone can be held accountable for the actions of another. In the case of a commercial vehicle accident in Texas, victims may be able to sue the driver’s employer for compensation to cover the cost of damages, injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and much more.

Under this Liable umbrella is respondeat superior, a legal doctrine used across America that holds employers liable for their employees's negligent actions if they occur within their employment scope. Examples of this type of liability in a commercial accident case include:

• Collision during a delivery
• Accident during pick up of goods
• Accidents during driving time

Because these cases are relatively complex, given state and federal regulations for commercial vehicles, it’s strongly recommended that victims hire a personal injury lawyer in Laredo, Texas to assist with their potential case.

Why is Driver Fatigue Considered Negligence?

While driving tired may seem like a regular occurrence, especially on the long stretches of flat Texas highways in Laredo, this action directly compromises the driver’s ability to operate the commercial vehicle safely. Reaction times are slowed in this state, and awareness decreases more generally.

Legally, negligence is failing to act with a reasonable level of care that a reasonable person would enact in a similar situation. Establishing negligence in a Laredo personal injury case requires that your Texas attorney prove that:

1. The defendant (driver) owed the plaintiff (victim) a duty of care, meaning the duty to act reasonably so as not to jeopardize the health and safety of another.
2. The defendant breached that duty with their actions or inactions. This may include fatigue, speeding, failing to obey traffic signs, etc.
3. That breach of duty directly caused a victim’s injuries and damages, so the plaintiff should be held accountable for any related expenses the plaintiff is suffering.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable for Commercial Vehicle Driver Fatigue in Laredo, Texas | Begin the Fight for What’s Right & Call Carabin Shaw To Schedule Your FREE CASE REVIEW

The expertly trained and skilled personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Carabin Shaw have decades of experience representing victims across Texas. We have the resources and knowledge needed to secure you justice and compensation. We have bilingual representatives available for Spanish speakers as well.

Carabin Shaw strives to eliminate all financial barriers for our clients. Call 800-862-1260 to schedule your free initial consultation, and don’t pay us unless your case is won! Read our reviews to learn more about us and the services we provide. We look forward to assisting you soon.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Bar
• Cornell Law
• Texas Statutes 41

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