Commercial Truck Driver Fatigue | El Paso Trucking Accident

If you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck in or near El Paso, driver fatigue might have played some role in causing the collision. At a time like this, it is wise to seek the advice of a professional lawyer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) reports that drowsy driving is involved in 100,000 car crashes annually on American roadways, leading to 71,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities. In response to this danger, the Texas State legislature adopted a resolution that dedicates a week in November to “Drowsy Driving Prevention.” This week raises public awareness of this issue and highlights preventative methods.

At Carabin Shaw, our experienced El Paso trucking accident lawyers know how to handle cases like yours. Don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation by calling us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260. To reach our El Paso office, dial 915-779-2301.

Commercial truck driver fatigue is too common on our roadways and a clear danger to motorist safety. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) found that at least 13% of commercial truck drivers were fatigued when they were involved in accidents. Our El Paso personal injury lawyers understand that many factors can contribute to driver fatigue, especially under the conditions in which commercial drivers work. These factors may include:

• Not getting enough sleep before beginning a work shift (most adults need at least seven hours)
• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
• Drinking alcohol
• Taking prescription medications that cause drowsiness

Our attorneys can explain to you the laws and regulations related to commercial drivers and their employers. When commercial drivers fail to follow proper safety protocols that help to keep them alert at all times, they endanger themselves and other motorists like you. Failure to obey legal requirements is a form of negligence, which means the driver and their employer may be held liable for causing your accident. If you’ve sustained severe injuries and require compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, seek out El Paso trucking accident lawyers. Our team will fight aggressively for your best interests in court. At the law firm of Carabin Shaw, our lawyers pride themselves on getting results for our clients.

Our El Paso personal injury lawyers know that there are many ways for commercial drivers to prevent drowsy driving. Most of them rely on common sense, such as maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and diet, taking regular breaks, and not relying on alertness “tricks” to stay awake. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration notes that being awake for 18 hours straight is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08%.

Drivers and their employers must educate themselves about the symptoms and warning signs of fatigue, as well as effective methods for reducing the associated dangers. When they fail to do so, they endanger other motorists. If you’ve been the victim of a commercial driver’s negligence, let one of our semi-truck accident attorneys in El Paso go to work for you.

Our attorneys believe that driver fatigue is one of the most preventable causes of accidents. Commercial drivers and their employers have a legal responsibility to prevent the dangers of fatigued driving. If they fail to do so, rest assured that our El Paso trucking accident lawyers will work to hold them accountable. Carabin Shaw has branch offices in El Paso and all over the state of Texas to serve you. Give us a call today for a free initial consultation. We are ready to listen and answer any questions you may have.