Gastonia Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Lawyer

Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Attorney in Gastonia, NC

A skilled Gastonia driver fatigue truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights if a crash is caused by an exhausted commercial driver. Roberts Law Firm, P.A., advocates for people injured in accidents where fatigue, long work hours, and FMCSA rule violations contributed to a crash.

Our firm thoroughly investigates logbooks, company records, and any proof of negligence related to a truck accident. We are devoted to defending injured motorists and can help you during every step of the recovery process.

Hire a Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Lawyer

Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has extensive experience handling challenging trucking cases involving driver fatigue. Our lawyers are familiar with the federal hours-of-service rules that regulate commercial truck drivers and often lead to catastrophic truck crashes when these regulations are violated.

Our firm regularly collaborates with accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and industry consultants to develop effective claims supported by reliable evidence.

Roberts Law Firm, P.A.’s long history in North Carolina and track record of representing injured motorists demonstrate our dedication to providing consistent advocacy, transparent communication, and dependable legal counsel for those who suffer injuries from negligent trucking operations.

How Driver Fatigue Causes Catastrophic Truck Accidents

Fatigue can be as bad for a truck driver as being under the influence of alcohol. Driver fatigue slows reaction times and impairs awareness on the road. Long hours, nighttime driving, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines are a few of the elements that can increase a driver’s risk of falling asleep or suffering a “microsleep” episode while driving.

These brief periods of inattention are particularly hazardous for a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds and a dedicated catastrophic injury lawyer can help evaluate the long-term impact of a fatigue-related crash. Recognizing how fatigue can affect performance is an important factor in determining liability in a trucking case.

Common Evidence of Fatigue in North Carolina Truck Accidents:

In many situations, crash reconstruction can prove that driver fatigue was a key factor in an accident, and understanding North Carolina car accident laws is critical when that evidence is presented in an injury claim. Legal representation can review ELD records, logs, dispatcher and dispatch records, GPS reports, and even company texts or emails to show violations of hours-of-service regulations.

Statements by witnesses, surveillance camera footage, and post-accident toxicology reports are other types of evidence that can help confirm that fatigue was an issue in the truck accident.

Often, it is necessary to demonstrate that the commercial driver exceeded hours of service, ignored warnings from ELD alerts or company communications, or exhibited other signs of fatigue or impairment. These investigative steps can help your attorney prove how negligence by the truck operator or trucking company caused or contributed to your North Carolina truck accident.

Holding Liable Parties in Gastonia Truck Accidents Responsible

A large truck crash along a busy roadway, such as Interstate 85 or Franklin Boulevard, will not always be the sole fault of a negligent truck driver, and a trusted I-85 accident lawyer can help pinpoint how roadway conditions and traffic patterns contributed to the wreck. Companies, whether local or regional, may be pressuring truck operators to deliver freight on unrealistic schedules or without enough drivers..

Dispatchers, freight brokers, or outside mechanics can also share liability if their actions or inaction created circumstances that encouraged or enabled the commercial driver to get behind the wheel while tired.

In such cases, it may be important to hold multiple parties responsible for injuries and damages arising from Gastonia truck accidents. An experienced attorney should be able to investigate your truck accident and ensure that every party with a hand in the crash is included in the claim.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries After a Truck Collision

Fatigue-related truck accidents can have a wide range of injuries. An insurance claim or personal injury claim may help you recover costs for current medical bills, hospital stays, prescriptions, and future treatment or rehabilitation. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain, suffering, or lifestyle limitations are other sources of recoverable damages for victims.

For more serious cases, compensation may need to cover in-home care, future nursing or assisted-living services, home or vehicle modifications, or mobility devices. A full accounting of losses can allow you to pursue a Gastonia truck accident settlement that accurately represents the damage done by a fatigued commercial driver.

FAQs

Is Driver Fatigue a Common Factor in Truck Accidents?

It is well-known that many serious trucking crashes are at least partially caused by driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers involved in serious accidents were fatigued at the time of the collision.

A thorough investigation into a catastrophic crash on North Carolina roadways can examine whether exhaustion caused or contributed to the incident by reviewing logbooks, ELD information, and the trucking company’s scheduling policies.

Are Truck Crashes Due to Fatigue More Likely to Be Catastrophic?

There is a greater risk of injury or death when a large truck is involved in an accident where driver fatigue is a factor. The NHTSA reports that truck crashes in 2023 resulted in 5,472 fatalities. When a fatigued truck driver cannot take evasive action or brake in time, the results can be catastrophic.

What Is the Law Regarding Hours Worked by a Truck Driver?

Federal hours-of-service requirements are in place to minimize the risk of driver fatigue. Truck drivers are governed by 49 C.F.R. § 395, which places time restrictions on the number of hours a commercial driver may operate a truck and also requires rest breaks and off-duty time to help combat fatigue. A review of the ELD and company policy may help determine whether the driver was in violation of hours-of-service regulations at the time of the accident.

What Damages May Be Recovered After a Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue?

A North Carolina motorist who is injured in a truck accident may recover a variety of damages depending on the facts and circumstances of the crash. Medical expenses, lost wages, and future treatment or rehabilitative costs are common. In some cases, a crash victim may be able to recover damages for their pain or suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. If injuries are very serious, diminished earning capacity or future care may also be considered.

Contact a Gastonia Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Lawyer

A fatigued truck driver can cause severe, lasting harm, and a consultation with Roberts Law Firm, P.A., can help you understand available options. Hire a driver fatigue truck accident lawyer to receive knowledgeable guidance as you pursue fair compensation under North Carolina law and meet all deadlines under the North Carolina personal injury statute.

Gastonia, NC Driver Fatigue Truck Accident Resources

• Interchange and Merge Zone Truck Accidents on I-85 in Gaston County, NC