Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue are a serious issue on Lafayette roads. Fatigued truckers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of causing devastating crashes.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in truck driver fatigue accidents, you need to take the right steps to protect your rights and seek compensation.
Report the Accident and Your Suspicions
Call 911 immediately after the crash. When law enforcement arrives, tell them you suspect truck driver fatigue is a potential cause. Share any observations about the truck driver’s condition, such as looking drowsy or disoriented. Reporting the accident can strengthen your claim because:
- Police officers will document the accident. Their report may later serve as critical evidence that the driver was too tired to drive.
- The police report will include the date and time of the accident. Since federal hours of service (HOS) regulations limit how long truckers can drive without breaks, any violations noted in the report may support your claim.
Get Information from the Driver
Try to observe and take notes about the truck driver’s condition and behavior. A Louisiana truck accident lawyer can later examine the evidence and determine whether truck driver fatigue played a role in the crash. Your notes should include:
- The driver’s name and employer information
- The trucking company and insurance details
- Any comment by the driver that they are sleepy or have been driving for a long time
Obtain Evidence of Driver Fatigue
Obtain any available evidence that may indicate truck driver fatigue. A dedicated lawyer can later examine any evidence you collect to support your claim. They may also be able to:
- Take photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and any skid marks
- Gather statements from eyewitnesses who observed driver behavior
- Request copies of the driver’s logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) data
Determine Liability
Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue may involve multiple liable parties. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liable parties might include the following:
- Truck Driver – Since the driver must follow HOS regulations, they may be responsible for the accident if they exceed their allowed driving hours without proper breaks.
- Trucking Company – The company must monitor driver schedules and enforce compliance with safety regulations. They could be liable if they pressured drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or ignored fatigue concerns.
- Freight Loaders – If third-party freight loaders contributed to the crash through improper loading, they could share liability.
Contact The Truck Accident Lawyers From The Thibeaux Firm
Truck driver fatigue causes injury and death to innocent victims. If you suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by fatigue, you need a determined legal team on your side. Attorney Omar Thibeaux is known for his respectful and understanding approach to representing accident victims. As “The 25% Attorney,” he charges a flat 25 percent fee in cases where he wins compensation, protecting your right to secure maximum financial recovery.
Attorney Thibeaux and his hardworking legal team will fight to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation and let a caring and experienced truck accident lawyer in Lafayette help you move forward.
