Many of us have seen a jackknifed truck holding up traffic on an interstate highway. We may have even cursed at the driver as we finally pass by and regain speed toward our destination. What is often overlooked is the fact that truck drivers drive dangerous distances in short amount of times, and are frequently working while deprived of reasonable hours of sleep. Further, the companies the drivers work for place truckers under extreme pressure to get the load to a destination by a certain time, often under the threat of job loss or demotion if they fail to do so. Frequently, this pressure leads to negligent driving tactics that can cause serious injuries or even death. Accordingly, if you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a large truck, do not hesitate to call a New York personal injury attorney to help evaluate your case
Sleep Deprived Truck Drivers Pose Serious Threat
The New York Times recently reported on the threat that sleep deprived truck drivers pose to other motorists. The report confirmed that drowsy driving is a leading cause of highway accidents in the United States, and one in seven accidents where fatigued driving is a factor involve a large truck.
Although last year federal regulations reduced the number of hours for truckers from 82 to 70, drivers can restart their week after taking a mandatory 34-hour rest break. Further, drivers may not drive more than 11 hours per day and must have a 30-minute break in their schedule. This amount of time is simply too little to adequately rest the body, and it is no wonder that serious accidents are occurring on major highways across the country.
In addition to crash statistics, the New York Times reported that the Transportation Department has looked into requiring electronic log devices to be installed on large trucks to ensure compliance with the current regulations. However, as of now this is not a requirement, leading to the suspicion that many trucking companies are “cooking the books.”
Fatigued Driving is Negligent Behavior
When a driver fails to take adequate precautions to ensure that he or she is operating the vehicle in a manner that is safe for other motorists on the highway, the choice to continue driving (or require an employee driver to continue driving in violation of federal regulations) is negligent behavior. As such, if you have been involved in an accident where you were injured as the result of a collision with a large truck you should contact an experienced attorney immediately.
Why Should I Hire a New York Truck Accident Attorney?
Large truck accident cases involve multiple parties and can have extremely complex and scientific facts that need to be evaluated at every step of the civil litigation process. Additionally, there may be issues involving employer liability, truck manufacturer liability, and a host of other potential parties from whom you may be able to recover. Lastly, the aforementioned parties undoubtedly will have insurance companies with teams of attorneys trained in reducing or eliminating the amount the insurance company will have to pay for your injuries (as well as making the entire incident seem like it was your fault).
If you are seeking to recover for injuries suffered in an auto accident, do not wait to call the experienced New York truck accident attorneys at Edelsteins Faegenburg & Brown, LLP at (718) 875-3550 for a free consultation. We will evaluate the issues in your case and advise you as to the proper course of action immediately.