Truck driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of catastrophic accidents on Louisiana’s highways, including in and around Lafayette. Commercial trucking is vital to the local economy, but the consequences can be devastating when drivers push themselves beyond their physical limits to stick to deadlines.
At The Thibeaux Firm, we understand the impact a collision with a tired truck driver can have on your health, livelihood, and family. That’s why we’re here to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable.
You need a legal team that knows how to parse the complex state and federal trucking regulations and fight for maximum compensation. Contact our office today to arrange a free consultation with a caring and respectful truck accident lawyer in Lafayette to discuss your situation.
Hurt in a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident in Lafayette? Attorney Thibeaux Can Help.
Founding Attorney Omar Thibeaux established The Thibeaux Firm with a commitment to providing compassion, hard work, determination, and respect to those who have been injured. When individuals in the Lafayette area get hurt due to someone else’s careless actions, Attorney Thibeaux has always been ready to stand up and fight to protect their rights.
Clients across Louisiana agree. Our satisfied client Brooke H. says, “I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.”
With over twelve years as a practicing lawyer, Attorney Thibeaux and his team can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries caused by a fatigued truck driver by doing the following:
- Thoroughly reviewing your situation
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Collecting and preserving vital evidence
- Managing communication between you and other parties involved
- Managing your claim and negotiating for fair compensation
- Preparing a case for court when necessary
Not only does the team at The Thibeaux Firm fight for maximum compensation for your injuries, but “The 25% Attorney” puts more money in your pocket by only taking 25 percent. In contrast, most personal injury attorneys take anywhere from 33 to 45 percent of a verdict or settlement.
Understanding Truck Driver Fatigue and Its Risks
Truck driving is a demanding and stressful job, with tight turnarounds and deadlines being the standard. Long hours behind the wheel, demanding delivery schedules, and inadequate rest all contribute to a heightened risk of serious or even fatal accidents caused by drowsy driving.
When drivers fail to get adequate rest, their physical and mental abilities can be compromised. How risky is driver fatigue? Sleep deprivation impacts the human body much like alcohol does – 18 hours awake is the equivalent of having a blood alcohol concentration of .05 percent. Reaction time, coordination, vision, and judgment are impaired. Meanwhile, staying awake for 20 hours can affect the body like a .08 percent BAC, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that 13 percent of commercial truck accidents involve a drowsy or fatigued driver. Additional data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 72 percent of those killed in large-truck collisions were the occupants of other vehicles. When a drowsy truck driver gets behind the wheel, other Lafayette drivers suffer the worst consequences.
Common Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents
Truck driver fatigue causes physical and mental exhaustion that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Some of the most common causes of fatigue-related driving accidents include the following:
- Impaired coordination, reduced attention, or poor decision-making due to fatigue
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Extended driving hours without adequate breaks or a sleeping berth
- Violating federal hours of service (HOS) regulations
- Lack of employer oversight
- Employer pressure to violate HOS regulations or drive longer hours
- Untreated sleep or medical conditions
- Consuming drugs or alcohol that cause drowsiness
- Driving overnight
A moment of inattention can be catastrophic when a drowsy driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck.
Determining Liability in Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents in Lafayette
Finding out who’s liable in a fatigue-related truck accident comes down to collecting and preserving evidence that shows the driver was drowsy or fatigued at the time of the collision. Proving fatigue can be challenging without the assistance of an experienced attorney who can aggressively pursue the necessary evidence to build a compelling case.
Black box data from a truck’s electronic logging device can help prove that a driver operated their vehicle beyond federal HOS regulations and that the driver may have been fatigued at the time of the accident. Unfortunately, HOS logs and black box data are considered trucking company property, and it can take significant legal intervention to obtain this information.
Other evidence that can help establish liability and show who caused a fatigue-related Lafayette truck accident includes the following:
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Electronic data
- Photos and videos from the scene
- Cellular phone data
- Dash camera or surveillance videos
- Expert witness testimony
In many cases, the driver may not be at fault alone. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, employers, trucking companies, or even third-party firms may share liability.
Steps to Take Following a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident
A collision with a drowsy driver can be frightening and turn your world upside down. However, keeping a level head and taking proactive steps following the crash can help protect your safety, legal rights, and future financial security. After an accident where fatigued driving may have played a role in the cause of the accident, you should do the following:
- Contact the authorities and emergency services.
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- If possible, document the scene.
- Exchange information.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Contact an experienced truck driver fatigue accident lawyer in Lafayette.
- Track all expenses, bills, and accident-related losses.
- Stay off social media, as the insurance company may use the words you post against you.
- Contact a Lafayette personal injury lawyer.
Fatigue-related truck crashes are complex, and proving driver fatigue often requires in-depth knowledge of trucking laws and a strategic legal approach. The sooner you involve a truck accident lawyer in Lafayette, the better your chances of protecting your rights and pursuing maximum compensation.
Speak to a Lafayette Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer Today
At The Thibeaux Firm, our legal team aggressively advocates for you, providing personalized and caring service to address your legal issues effectively. We hold drowsy drivers and careless trucking companies accountable, helping to put more money into your pocket to cover your injuries and losses. Contact our Lafayette office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.