How Can Driver Fatigue Affect My Illinois Truck Accident Claim?

 Posted on April 15,2024 in Truck Accidents

Like all vehicle crashes, truck accidents can be the result of several different factors: a part malfunction, speeding, drunk driving, road conditions, and more. One factor that is quite common in truck accidents is known as driver fatigue. People whose job it is to deliver goods to various locations and are paid based on the number of deliveries they make have an interest in making as many deliveries as possible. It can encourage a lack of sufficient self-care and a failure to sleep enough to be safely well-rested on the roads. There are federal rules and regulations in place to limit the number of hours a truck driver is legally allowed to drive before a required break, based on the understanding that such breaks are necessary for safe driving. If you were hit by a truck, an experienced Bloomington, IL personal injury lawyer can review the case and investigate whether driver fatigue may have played a role.

What Are Hours of Service Laws?

A whole set of federal regulations fall under the category of hours of service and define how frequently truck drivers must take mandatory breaks. Violations of these regulations can result in heavy fines. This can encourage both the drivers - wishing to maintain a clean driving record - and their employers - trucking companies wishing to avoid unnecessary fines and other punishments - to abide by them.

The specifics of these regulations can be a bit confusing. For example:

• Once a truck driver has been driving for eight hours, he needs to take a break for at least a half hour. 
• However, if the driver has taken a ten-hour break, he can drive for 11 hours straight and would not need to take the 30-minute break eight hours in.
• If the driver is just beginning his shift, he can drive for 14 hours in a row, rather than 11 or 8 hours, before he needs to take a break.

These specifics of the hours of service regulations can be confusing for someone who is not familiar with the law or with the trucking industry, but a well-versed personal injury attorney will know how to investigate further.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Illinois Truck Accident Attorney

If you were hit by a truck, sufficient compensation for any resulting injuries and car damage is crucial. A skilled Springfield, IL personal injury lawyer can determine whether an hours of service violation was involved, thus strengthening your case. At Kanoski Bresney, we are committed to getting maximum coverage for our clients’ costs. Call 888-826-8682 to schedule a free consultation.