When Driver Fatigue Causes a Louisiana Truck Accident

When you consider that commercial vehicles weigh much more than a passenger vehicle, it’s no surprise to learn that 1 in 4 passenger vehicle fatalities involves a collision with a large truck. Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue may contribute to a number of serious and/or fatal truck accidents in Louisiana.

To combat the problem of truck driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration passed regulations regarding the amount of time a commercial truck driver may operate his or her vehicle and the amount of time needed for rest. To ensure compliance with these regulations, the truck driver is required to keep a log book detailing the hours spent working and resting. In some cases, an electronic on-board recorder may be used in lieu of a logbook. 

Driver fatigue can affect a number of physical and cognitive abilities necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely. The effects of driver fatigue may include: 

• delayed reaction time;
• reduction in alertness;
• decreased motor coordination;
• impaired information processing; and
• memory problems.

Driving for a long period of time on an open road or at night also can produce a hypnotic effect on drivers. In some cases, truck drivers may succumb to sleep as a result of their fatigue, which could result in a serious, if not fatal, truck accident.

If you or a loved one sustained personal injuries or wrongful death due to commercial driver fatigue, an accident lawyer in Louisiana with truck injury claim experience can help.

Contact an Accident Lawyer in Louisiana – Truck Collisions

If a commercial truck driver’s actions resulted in serious injury or death to you or a loved one, you are entitled to file a claim in order to recover damages. As the victim of a serious or fatal truck accident in Louisiana, we know that you have a lot of questions about your health and your financial future. Personal injury attorneys Timothy J. Young, Robert J. Young Jr. and Jason C. MacFetters understand your concerns and anxieties. Before you hire an attorney, order this free injury guide to learn about your rights in Louisiana. The Young Firm is located in New Orleans and serves clients throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Shreveport and beyond. Contact us today at 1-504-680-4100 or 1-866-660-7220.