Essential Evidence in a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Claim
Few would dispute the fact that driving a semi-truck is a brutal occupation. Drivers are expected to deal with tight deadlines, long days, and irregular sleep schedules. Laws and regulations have been instituted to reduce the incidence of fatigued-driver truck accidents, however, drowsiness is still a factor in a large number of truck crashes.
If you or a loved one were involved in a commercial truck accident, it is possible that a sleep-deprived trucker made crucial errors behind the wheel that led to the crash. The trucking company that employs the truck driver may be liable for damages. You could be entitled to reimbursement for past and future medical costs, vehicle replacement costs, lost income, and more. However, to bring a strong claim, you will need evidence that the truck driver’s actions caused the accident.
Sleepy Truck Drivers Can Make Deadly Mistakes
Research shows that not getting adequate sleep can affect our brains similarly to alcohol intoxication. Sleepy truck drivers are slower to react to obstacles or stopped vehicles on the road and more likely to make driving mistakes. They may not check their blind spots before changing lanes or pay close enough attention to other cars on the road. Some even fall asleep at the wheel. This can lead to horrible truck accidents resulting in severe injuries and property damage.
Types of Evidence in a Drowsy Driving Truck Crash Claim
Victims of drowsy driving truck wrecks may be entitled to damages. However, they must show that the truck driver’s actions caused the accident, their injuries resulted from the accident, and the injuries caused monetary damages. Some of the most common types of evidence used in drowsy driving truck accident claims include:
- The driver’s electronic logbook – The electronic logbook shows when the driver was driving and when he or she was resting. Federal law requires that drivers limit driving hours, however, some drivers violate these laws to meet their deadlines or at the instance of their employer.
- The truck’s event data recorder (EDR) – Commercial trucks have a “black box” similar to an airplane. The device records the driver’s actions during and immediately before a crash. An EDR may be used to show that a driver’s reaction times were slowed due to fatigue.
- Evidence at the accident scene – Physical debris, guardrail damage, skid marks, and other physical evidence can provide clues about how a truck accident occurred.
- Medical records – Medical records are a crucial component in most personal injury claims. Your medical records will help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the costs resulting from those injuries.
- Witnesses – Eyewitnesses to the crash can be valuable sources of information. They can help establish how the accident occurred.
- Camera footage – More and more drivers have dash cameras in their vehicles. Vehicle dash cams, traffic cameras, and security cameras from nearby businesses can provide essential video footage of the accident.
Contact a New Braunfels Truck Crash Lawyer
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we know just how devastating a truck crash can be. Our highly skilled Texas truck accident injury attorneys can help you compile and preserve crucial truck crash evidence and use it to build a compelling claim. Call us at 830-443-9193 to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK384974/
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body
