Every year, approximately 1.2 billion tons of freight pass through Texas highways. Commercial trucks are invaluable for this purpose, helping to ensure that businesses have the merchandise they need and consumers receive the products they ordered. However, these trucks are also a potential danger on the road. One reason for this is the risk of trucker fatigue.
In Texas, if you experience a truck accident because of another party’s negligence, filing a claim may be an option. With over 37 years of combined legal experience and over $75 million recovered, the skilled team of Fort Worth truck accident lawyers at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers can assist you in beginning legal action against the liable parties.
Contact our law office in Fort Worth, TX, to schedule a free consultation at (817) 839-3143.
How Parker Law Firm Can Help After A Tired Truck Driver Accident In Fort Worth
At Parker Law Firm, our team of Fort Worth truck accident attorneys can assist in the claims process.
Our services include:
- An investigation into the truck accident
- Collection of evidence to prove liability
- A calculation of damages
- Communication and negotiation with insurers
- Representation in court if a settlement isn’t an option
With their significant weight, commercial trucks can have great difficulty rapidly coming to a complete stop. When you add a fatigued driver to the equation, the results can be catastrophic. If you have sustained injuries in a commercial vehicle accident in Fort Worth, Texas, you may be able to begin a claim and recover your losses.
Our team takes on only select cases so that we can devote our undivided attention to each client. We are fierce advocates for those who trust us with their personal injury claims and can provide compassionate support that ensures you never feel alone as you navigate the legal system. Members of our legal team have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers.
If you’ve suffered an accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys.
The Dangers Of Fatigued Truck Drivers In Fort Worth
Truckers spend hours on the road, which is inherently exhausting. To ensure they get enough rest, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established nationwide guidelines on how many hours a trucker can work. These aren’t always respected, however. Truckers are often incentivized by their employers to bend or break the law, and that can lead to crashes.
But why is fatigued driving so dangerous? If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a car and felt sleepy, you know that it can be difficult to focus. This lack of concentration can be deadly at all times, but it’s especially so when dealing with such a large vehicle as a commercial truck.
This is because it’s much easier for a trucker to lose control of the truck if they’re tired. They could veer into the next lane and overcorrect when they realize they have done so. Large trucks are not built to handle these abrupt maneuvers, so they can result in everything from jackknifing to rollover accidents.
In fact, extreme fatigue can have a similar impact on coordination and reflexes as being intoxicated. Truckers can struggle with depth perception and may not even notice if they’re going faster than they should be. It can make them reckless as well, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Additionally, truckers can fall asleep behind the wheel. These tend to be the most severe types of accidents because they can impact numerous parties.
Liability In A Fatigued Truck Driver Accident In Texas
Because Texas has at-fault laws for traffic accidents, you need to demonstrate that the other party was negligent in order to recover losses. It’s important to understand, therefore, who could be liable.
The trucker may be one of these parties. If they worked for longer hours than they should have or did anything that made them too fatigued to drive, they could be held negligent for their conduct.
In some instances, however, the trucking company might also be responsible. The company may be included in the claim under vicarious liability if the trucker was their employee and not an independent contractor. This is the case if the company encouraged the driver to work for longer than federal laws allow, as well.
Contact Our Fort Worth Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Getting hurt in a Texas truck accident can leave you with losses that affect you for the long term. Filing a claim against the responsible party may help you secure the compensation you need to cover those losses, from medical bills to emotional distress.
To discover your legal options, it’s essential to consult the seasoned team at Parker Law Firm. Our Fort Worth truck accident attorneys can uncover every dollar you are owed and advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation with us to get started today.
