Commercial truck drivers are human, just like everyone else operating a motor vehicle on public roads. Unfortunately, that means truckers sometimes act irresponsibly outside of working hours in ways that leave them too tired to drive safely when they are on the clock. In other situations, though, truckers end up driving while dangerously tired, not because they were reckless, but because their employer is forcing them to break federal trucking regulations to save time and money on routes.
Regardless of the cause, driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous, and wrecks stemming from this type of negligence often justify civil litigation. If you believe a drowsy trucker was responsible for causing your recent crash, our seasoned truck accident lawyers at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can help you pursue fair compensation. We have experience holding fatigued truck drivers in Pensacola accidents legally accountable. Call today.
How Long Can Truckers Stay on the Road Under Federal Law?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes numerous rules for how truck drivers and trucking companies can operate while traveling on interstate highways or otherwise going across state lines, and the guidelines set by this Administration broadly apply to intrastate traffic as well. Under current FMCSA regulations, property-carrying commercial drivers are subject to the following limits when it comes to how long they can work within specific periods of time:
- No more than 11 hours of driving after spending at least 10 straight hours off-duty
- No driving more than 14 consecutive hours after coming off of a 10-hour off-duty period
- No driving for more than eight consecutive hours without taking at least one 30-minute break from driving
- No more than 60 total hours on duty within any period of seven consecutive days
- No more than 70 total hours on duty within any period of eight consecutive days
There are a few exceptions to some of these rules for certain short-haul trips and when “adverse driving conditions” interrupt a driver’s route. Generally, though, a trucking company that negligently allows or intentionally forces its driver(s) to violate these rules may hold civil liability for any injuries that a tired driver causes through an ensuing truck accident in Pensacola.
Recovering Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
Fatigued truck drivers are less likely to slow down before impacting another car and more likely to lose control of their truck in tight spaces, both of which contribute to making crashes caused by these drivers uniquely dangerous. For this reason, it is often critical to account for expected long-term losses stemming from such a wreck in addition to short-term losses, including things like:
- Future medical bills
- Lost working ability
- Various forms of physical and mental suffering
As with all personal injury claims, though, lawsuits over fatigued truck driver wrecks in Pensacola must begin within the deadline set by the statute of limitations, usually two years after the accident occurred. Building a strong claim within this strictly enforced time limit can be extremely difficult, especially without support from a qualified legal professional.
Talk to a Pensacola Attorney About Suing Over a Fatigued Truck Driver Accident
While fatigued truck drivers are not always 100 percent at fault for Pensacola accidents they are involved in, they and their employer may still hold civil liability for your crash-related injuries. As anyone who has tried to file suit over a truck wreck can tell you, though, meeting the standard of proof demanded by civil court judges and insurance representatives can be anything but simple.
You have help available from start to finish of your recovery process from a dedicated lawyer with a track record of case success. Call Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon today to discuss your options.
