Texas is an expansive state that many truck drivers pass through when making cross-country trips. An unfortunate consequence of such frequent travel through the state is the increased risk and prevalence of accidents. There are several causes of trucking accidents in Texas, such as truck driver inexperience, mechanical flaws in the truck, and unfamiliarity with road conditions. Additionally, one very common cause of trucking accidents in Texas is truck driver fatigue and drowsiness. There are many reasons that truck drivers may be drowsy when they are driving and still continue on without stopping for appropriate rest.
The trucking and transportation industry is highly competitive, especially in this day and age when many customers order goods online and rely on timely shipments. Often, transportation and trucking companies will mandate that their employees complete shipments in a specific amount of time. Many times, trucking companies require that their drivers drive almost 70 hours in an eight-day time frame. This comports with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which allows truckers to drive up to 11 hours straight in one day. Unfortunately, these requirements lead to exceedingly fatigued drivers who are expected to make their trips profitable for their company. There is no way that drivers can drive this amount of time without experiencing fatigue.
Furthermore, many times, truck drivers use both legal and illicit stimulants to stay up in the hopes that accidents will be avoided. However, research suggests that the overuse of these stimulants can actually result in opposite effects. There is no substitute for actual rest and sleep. The drivers may believe that they are more alert than they actually are, and accidents are bound to occur.
Truck driver fatigue is a major problem in Texas and throughout the United States, and it is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on American highways.
Drowsy Truck Driver Causes Multi-Vehicle Accident
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Late last week, a multi-vehicle accident occurred on I-85 in North Carolina. According to local news reports and the State Highway Patrol, the accident involved one tractor-trailer and seven other vehicles. Initial investigative reports indicate that the truck driver was sleepy when he was traveling down a narrow lane on the highway in a construction zone. Evidently, the accident resulted in several injuries and overturned vehicles. The most recent reports indicate that charges are pending, but additional details have not yet been released.
Have You Been Injured in a Trucking Accident in Texas?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Austin or anywhere in Texas, you should contact our experienced attorneys. Our attorneys have many years of experience handling trucking accidents and can represent you at every step of the way. Often, plaintiffs in these cases may be able to bring personal injury lawsuits against both the truck driver and the trucking company. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can help you understand the appropriate parties to name in the lawsuit and how to specifically pursue each of them. If you are successful, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the injuries you suffered, both physical and mental.