Posted in Personal Injury Lawyer
When a large commercial truck is involved in a crash, the cause can be traced back to a number of issues. One of the most common and preventable causes is driver fatigue. In a fast-paced city like Washington, DC, where trucks share crowded streets with cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, the impact of a tired driver behind the wheel of a massive vehicle can be severe.
How fatigue contributes to truck crashes
Driver fatigue can impair a truck operator in much the same way as alcohol. Slower reaction times, poor judgment, and even momentary loss of awareness are all dangerous consequences of being overly tired. Despite strict rules meant to limit how long truckers can drive without a break, some drivers push themselves too far, often because of pressure to meet delivery deadlines or company demands.
We’ve seen cases where electronic logs show that drivers exceeded their legal driving hours or skipped mandatory rest periods. In these situations, the consequences fall not only on the driver but potentially the company behind them.
What federal and local rules apply
Washington, DC follows federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which limits the number of hours a truck driver can spend on the road. These rules are designed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Drivers are typically limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. In addition, there are weekly limits and requirements for rest breaks.
When there’s a crash involving a commercial truck, investigators often look at whether these rules were followed. If a driver was over their limit or manipulated their logs, it could show that fatigue was a contributing factor. That information can shape the outcome of any claim that follows.
Investigating fatigue as a factor
As a Washington DC truck accident lawyer, one of the first steps we take after a serious collision is gathering records. This includes electronic logging device data, driver logs, maintenance reports, and any internal communications between the driver and the company. If fatigue is suspected, we also examine delivery schedules and route planning documents that may show unrealistic expectations.
Wayne R. Cohen, Esq., founder of Cohen & Cohen, has handled truck accident cases for years and has a deep understanding of how fatigue plays into driver negligence. Mr. Cohen’s trial skills, recognized by legal organizations and publications including Washingtonian Magazine, have been instrumental in helping clients recover from life-altering crashes caused by preventable issues like drowsy driving.
His approach, which has led to millions recovered for injured clients, often involves coordinating with professionals who analyze driver behavior, vehicle data, and company practices to find out what really happened.
Holding the right parties responsible
In many fatigue-related crashes, liability doesn’t stop at the driver. Companies that push drivers to skip breaks or ignore hours-of-service regulations may also be held accountable. These cases can involve multiple layers of responsibility, from fleet managers to dispatchers. When companies fail to prioritize safety in pursuit of faster delivery times, they can and should be challenged.
We approach each case with the goal of identifying everyone who may have contributed to the crash. That includes exploring whether fatigue was a result of poor scheduling, pressure from management, or violations of safety rules.
Taking the next step
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident and suspect driver fatigue played a part, it’s critical to act quickly. Valuable records can be lost or destroyed over time, and the sooner we’re able to investigate, the stronger your case can become. Contact Cohen & Cohen today to speak with a legal team that understands what’s at stake. We’re here to support you with experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping you move forward.
