Personal Injury Law

Truck Accidents Frequently Caused by Driver Fatigue

By Jeffrey Lowe

Truckers who drive under the influence or while intoxicated are a danger to the motorists who share the road with them. Just as deadly are truckers who drive while drowsy.

According to an article in the Red Bluff Daily News, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that driver fatigue is to blame for 30 to 40 percent of accidents involving commercial trucks in North America.

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy drivers kills more than 1,550 people each year and is responsible for at least 100,000 crashes.

Finally, the Large Truck Crash Causation Study estimates that fatigue was an associated factor in 13 percent of all trucking accidents.

The Red Bluff Daily News reported that a new device has been developed that warns drivers when they have reached dangerous fatigue levels. When one longtime truck driver was asked by the reporter if the device would benefit him, he replied, ?The long hours don?t bother me.?

I?m not surprised by this response. Despite the severity of the problem, many truck drivers refuse to believe they drive while drowsy.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a family member has been killed in a collision with a large truck, we urge you to contact The Lowe Law Firm. Our trucking-accident attorneys will find out whether the truck driver, trucking company, or trailer owner is responsible for the accident. If so, we will then seek compensation for future and other related medical expenses, future and other affected wages, pain and suffering, disability and/or other related damages.

An initial free consultation with The Lowe Law Firm attorneys for victims of trucking or truck related accidents is available. Appointments can take place at our office, at the hospital, or in the privacy of your home.

Contact The Lowe Law Firm Missouri/Illinois trucking-accident lawyers online or by calling 877-678-3400.

Visit our Truck-Accident Information Center.

Full post as published by Trucking Accident Attorney Blog on February 24, 2008 (boomark / email).