Orland Park Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Attorney

Attorney in Orland Park, IL for Identifying Liable Parties in Fatigued Truck Driving Accidents

Thousands of truck accidents happen every year in Illinois, many of them resulting in injuries or fatalities. Driver error is responsible for the majority of these crashes, and driver fatigue is a leading contributing factor in many accidents.

Driving while fatigued, especially when operating a heavy vehicle like a tractor-trailer truck, is a form of negligence. If you were injured by a truck driver who was drowsy or fatigued, you may be able to obtain compensation through a personal injury claim. To achieve the best possible results, you need effective legal representation. The Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. can help injured victims throughout the Chicago area from our conveniently located office in Orland Park.

Why Fatigued Driving Is Dangerous

Did you know that fatigue can cause impairments that are similar to being drunk? Fatigue is more than just being tired; it is an all-encompassing condition that makes safe driving virtually impossible. Fatigue can be caused by:

• Being awake or active for too many hours straight
• Heavy exertion or stress
• Interrupted sleep
• Sleeping for only short periods

Fatigue can also worsen the effects of some medications and alcohol consumption. Drowsy driving can lead to many unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

• Speed fluctuations
• Drifting into other traffic lanes or off the road
• Delayed reaction times
• An inability to focus on traffic conditions
• Making poor driving decisions
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Misjudging the speed of other vehicles

All of these negligent behaviors can contribute to devastating truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict rules governing how long drivers can work without taking a break and how long the breaks must be, as well as other regulations designed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes. Knowing these facts, why do truck drivers continue to drive while fatigued?

Why Drowsy Driving Is Common for Truckers

Many truck drivers do not comply with FMCSA hours-of-service regulations. When transporting cargo, truck drivers have delivery deadlines. If they arrive late to their destination, their employer may have to pay fees. For this reason, many trucking companies instruct or encourage their drivers to do whatever it takes to meet deadlines.

Many delivery deadlines are early in the morning, forcing truckers to drive at night. Darkness can add to the effects of fatigue, and long, monotonous stretches of road can also contribute to drowsiness.

Sometimes, truckers take time for personal matters when they are supposed to be working or before their shift is due to begin. This can lead to being awake for too many hours straight and working longer than regulations allow to make up for lost travel time.

Whatever the cause, drowsy driving is negligent. Most personal injury claims depend on being able to prove that negligence was to blame for an accident. When a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck is involved, determining negligence and fault can sometimes be complicated.

Identifying Liable Parties in Fatigued Truck Driving Accidents

You need evidence to support your compensation claim, and you must identify who can be held liable for your damages. Liability in truck accident cases is not always apparent, because more than one party may share responsibility.

With drowsy driving accidents, the driver and trucking company may both be liable. If a cargo owner or dispatcher is pushing for an early delivery, they may also bear some blame. There are several other potentially liable parties, and an in-depth investigation may be required to determine who may be held liable and how they contributed to causing your collision.

In many cases, you can obtain compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, PTSD, pain and suffering, and other ways that a truck accident affected your life. When you partner with the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., Attorney J. Francis Barker will handle your case personally, using his considerable experience and skills to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

Contact Our Orland Park, Illinois Truck Accident Attorney for Driver Fatigue

At the Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C., we pride ourselves on providing effective legal representation that makes a real difference in your situation. You deserve compensation after a drowsy-driving truck crash, and we will fight aggressively to see that you get it. Our office is in Orland Park, and we can provide legal help with truck accidents throughout the Chicago area and Northern Illinois.

Contact us now at 708-321-1223 for your free consultation with our diligent Orland Park, IL truck accident attorney. When you work with us, you will not pay fees unless we win compensation for you.