Truck Accidents Caused by Tired Truck Drivers
Truck accidents are a common occurrence on many roads across Illinois. One of the key contributing factors to such accidents is driver fatigue. Due to long hours behind the wheel and demanding schedules, truck drivers are often exhausted, making them prone to errors on the road. This not only puts the drivers themselves in danger, but it poses a threat to others on the road as well.
Injuries sustained in truck accidents can be life-altering, and they often require emergency medical treatment and ongoing care. Anyone who was in a car that collided with a truck may require surgery, rehabilitative outpatient care, and long-term in-home care. The cost of this care can be enough to bankrupt a family, especially if the person supporting their family financially was killed in the crash. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, it is essential to seek proper legal counsel to ensure you receive the compensation and justice to which you are entitled.
What to Know About Truck Drivers and Driver Fatigue
Fatigued truck drivers put everyone in their vicinity, including pedestrians and other motorists, at considerable risk. The stress of the trucking industry, including long hours and nocturnal shifts, can take an enormous toll on drivers. The effects of driver fatigue in these scenarios can range from slower reaction times to completely falling asleep at the wheel. While it may seem like the truck driver is the obvious person to blame for not managing their schedule safely, the driver may not be the only responsible actor. The trucking company, its management staff, ineffective or manipulated time-logging software, and even other negligent drivers may be at fault for an accident resulting from a trucker’s drowsy driving.
Personal injury actions resulting from tired driving are common, especially since accidents involving trucks can result in some of the most catastrophic accidents possible on the road. In such cases, the role of the lawsuit is to prove the driver was indeed drowsy or fatigued, determine the proportion of fault each party bears, and compensate injured individuals appropriately for their economic and non-economic losses. In the face of complex legal proceedings, accident victims should not hesitate to seek the assistance of a qualified personal injury lawyer who can evaluate and assist them in their claims.
Let an Experienced, Aggressive Lawyer Handle the Investigation
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of catastrophic trucking accidents, injured and bereaved parties are often too shell-shocked to take action. They may not know the full extent of their injuries or completely understand their recovery timeline until weeks or even months after the accident. Insurance companies use this uncertainty to push for quick and inadequate settlements. Even if it means taking advantage of helpless and aggrieved accident victims, the complexity of trucking accident cases and the potential expense of insurance payouts means that insurance companies will often go to great lengths to limit or deny compensation to injured parties. This means you may have to file a lawsuit and present considerable evidence to persuade a judge, jury, or insurance company representative that the truck’s driver was indeed drowsy.
This takes a considerable amount of work and is best handled by experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys who know time-tested strategies and have the resources for procuring the necessary evidence. An attorney may check driver logs and trucking records, toll booth cameras and receipts, surveillance videos, and even the trucking company’s training policies. Furthermore, an attorney will assist clients in calculating the full extent of their damages, including hospital and rehab costs, lost wages, and more.
Contact a Schaumburg Truck Accident Attorney
Do not settle for the lowball offers insurance companies too often allocate to injured individuals. Instead, call a law office you can trust to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, we handle many different types of trucking accident claims. Our resourceful attorneys are well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and their tactics. We proudly protect the rights of our clients and serve Chicago’s northwest suburbs, including Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows areas. We can be reached at 224-539-8821 for a free consultation, or you can fill out our online contact form.