Kentucky Injury Law News
If you are a Kentucky driver, you understand there are various hazards and safety threats on the road that could lead to a higher chance of an accident. From distraction to speeding, the actions of other motorists could be a direct threat on your own personal safety and well-being. One of these potential threats is a fatigued truck driver.
Truckers play a crucial role in the American economy. They transport goods across the country and make sure products get to where they need to go, but they also have the responsibility to drive safely and adhere to industry regulations. There are strict rules in place regarding how long a person can drive a truck. While many truckers and trucking companies play by the rules, some of them deliberately ignore the rules.
How serious is the problem?
The problem of fatigued trucking may be more serious than you think. Many truckers are paid per delivered load, and they may feel pressure from their employers to keep driving, even when well past the allowed number of hours.
According to statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, over 30 percent of people do not get enough sleep. This means it is quite likely you have shared or will share the road with a tired trucker. Consider the following facts about this problem:
- Many truckers are reluctant to admit they are too tired to drive or complete a delivery.
- Health, medication and sleep patterns can also affect how tired a truck driver is.
- Drowsy drivers may be more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel, but they may also be more prone to distraction or make poor decisions.
Fatigued truckers are a serious safety concern because of the significant damage truck accidents are likely to cause. These heavy and large vehicles can inflict serious harm on people in smaller vehicles, even in a low-speed collision. Truck crashes frequently result in grave or fatal injuries.
What are your options?
If you are the victim of a truck accident, you will find it beneficial to start with a complete evaluation of your case in order to understand the legal options available to you. You could be entitled to personal injury compensation, but it is prudent to take immediate action after a crash to protect your interests. Trucking companies and their insurers often have rapid response teams and will have their own investigators on site within hours after a crash. That’s why you need a lawyer as early as possible. Otherwise, critical evidence could be lost.