Driving while fatigued is dangerous and increases the chance of a collision. Truck drivers are often more susceptible to this due to their long work hours and travel distances. Because of the trucks’ size and force, crashes are more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured by a fatigued truck driver in a Pooler accident, contact one of our knowledgeable lawyers as soon as possible. An experienced tractor-trailer wreck attorney can review your case and begin pursuing compensation on your behalf.
Individuals who drive long distances and work extended hours as part of their job are more likely to experience an accident due to fatigued truck driving in Pooler. Federal law restricts their work hours to reduce the chance of a collision.
Drivers of large commercial vehicles carrying property must adhere to the hour limits set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, found in 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 395.
Under these restrictions, truckers:
The statute provides limited exceptions to these work limits. For example, a driver can extend the 11-hour and 14-hour restrictions by two hours if they encounter adverse road conditions.
The statute also provides a short-haul exception if the driver stays within a 150-mile radius of their normal work location. Evidence that a truck driver or employer failed to adhere to these restrictions can help prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.
One of the first steps a party should take following an incident is ensuring that there are no injuries. If so, injured persons should seek immediate medical attention.
In most truck collisions, the relevant parties should contact the police or law enforcement to report the crash. According to Ga. Code § 40-6-273, drivers involved in accidents that lead to injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 must promptly contact law enforcement.
Injured parties should obtain contact information for potential witnesses and collect any available evidence, such as photos, videos, police reports, or crash scene analyses, to help prove fault.
The drivers involved in the crash must also exchange insurance information and notify their insurer of the incident. If insurance proceeds are inadequate, a Chattahoochee Injury Law attorney in Pooler can help the injured party file a lawsuit to recover compensation from a fatigued truck driver crash.
Injured parties have a limited amount of time to file their lawsuits. Ga. Code § 9-3-33 gives plaintiffs a two-year window from the date of the accident to file their claim, with limited exceptions. Because of this, it is crucial to quickly get the help of a lawyer to file on time with the proper documentation.
In most accidents, the injured party will seek compensation against the responsible driver or insurer. However, fatigue-related truck accidents in Pooler can often involve commercial vehicles.
According to Ga. Code 51-2-2, when a truck driver’s negligence leads to injuries, the impacted individual can potentially file a lawsuit against their employer. Georgia follows the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for their employees’ negligent actions.
The employer’s liability is limited to actions the employee takes while performing within the scope of their normal job function. A court can hold the employer liable if a commercial truck driver fails to use reasonable care while working for their employer.
Fatigued truck drivers in Pooler accidents can lead to costly medical bills and property damage. You may have difficulty returning to work, leading to financial difficulties.
Please contact a dedicated personal injury attorney if you suffered harm in a collision with a fatigued truck driver. Our lawyers are here to help guide you or your loved ones through this challenging time.
