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Truck Driver Fatigue Can Lead to Serious North Carolina Traffic Accidents:

November 29, 2021

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our truck accident attorneys in Charlotte know firsthand how devasting commercial truck crashes are to our clients and their families, which is why we work so hard to pursue the best outcome for each of their unique cases.

Unfortunately, after a thorough investigation in many of our truck collision cases throughout North Carolina, it is typically determined that the crash could have been prevented.

The National Transportation Safety Board, the federal agency that investigates accidents, including semi-truck crashes, to determine their causes, estimated up to 40% of all U.S. commercial vehicle collisions occur when driver fatigue plays a role in the vehicle’s operation.

Since truck driver fatigue cannot be measured the same way alcohol or drug use is, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte rely on other investigative strategies to prove negligence was a factor in these cases, including examining the truck’s onboard GPS and the truck driver’s logs, to name a few.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, contact us today to discuss your case during a free consultation, so you can learn more about your legal rights and options and begin making informed decisions about the direction of your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Why Are Fatigued North Carolina Truck Drivers Getting Behind the Wheel?

Whether truck drivers are picking up and delivering inside North Carolina, or traveling across the country, their schedules are time-sensitive and demanding.

Unfortunately, the expectations to perform can become overwhelming especially when their trucking company employers are placing profits over safety which can lead to drivers skipping required breaks, causing fatigue and exhaustion that impairs their judgment.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles, limits the number of consecutive driving and shift hours truck drivers can travel without mandatory breaks through Hours of Service Regulations.

When these guidelines are violated, truck drivers and their employers may be held liable for collisions that occur when fatigued operators are behind the wheel.

Outside of the pressure to perform, and deliver more in less time, other common reasons fatigued truck drivers get behind the wheel may include racing home to their families after a long haul or making up time caused by traffic congestion or collisions.

When truck drivers place their travel requirements or needs above the safety of other drivers on our North Carolina roadways including those who drive under the influence of substances to help keep them awake serious injuries and fatalities can occur.

When they do, we are here to help our North Carolina residents seek not only the compensation they need for their damages but justice for their complete losses.

Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina Today

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Charlotte provide free consultations by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to fit each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your injury, our fight. How can we help you take a stand?

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