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    Euless Fatigued Driver Truck Accident Lawyer

    Euless Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyers

    Did you know that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep at night? Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to many health problems. It can also increase your odds of being involved in a car or truck accident.

    Most people drive while fatigued at some point in their lives. Tired driving is especially common in the morning when drivers need to wake up early for work. Although common, driver fatigue is a dangerous practice. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatigued drivers were involved in 91,000 collisions in 2017 alone. This includes an estimated 795 fatalities.

    When truck drivers are fatigued, the risk of severe injuries and fatalities rises exponentially. Due to their size, large trucks can inflict serious damage in an accident. If a truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic.

    If a fatigued truck driver injured you in a truck accident, you’re not alone. Our Euless, TX accident lawyers can assist you. We have helped many Texas drivers with cases just like yours. Our attorneys will be happy to answer your questions and help you decide your next steps.

    Call (469) 998-4069 now to request a free consultation.

    Fatigued Driver Accidents Involving Trucks

    Fatigued driver accidents are always dangerous. However, when trucks are involved, the risk of severe injuries and fatalities increases. This is because large trucks deliver brutal force in an impact. Even with airbags and other safety features, small cars are not built to withstand a high-speed impact involving a vehicle like a semi-truck.

    In the United States, a semi-truck with a full cargo can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. To calculate impact force in a vehicle collision, we multiply mass (weight) times acceleration (speed). This means an 80,000 semi-truck traveling at 35 mph delivers an impact force of 2,800,000 Newtons (units of force).

    Compare this to an accident involving a normal, mid-sized sedan weighing around 3500 pounds. In a similar accident at 35 mph, the sedan’s impact force is only 122,500 Newtons. The semi-truck accident impact force is 22% more powerful.

    Now imagine this truck accident occurred because the driver fell asleep! When a truck driver experiences fatigue, they cannot react to hazards or control their vehicle. Even if the driver only nods off for a brief moment — a phenomenon known as “microsleeping” — it can result in a deadly accident. This is because large trucks require long stopping distances.

    From the moment a truck driver brakes, it can take the distance of two football fields for the truck to come to a complete stop. To avoid causing an accident, truck drivers need to be alert so they have enough time to brake safely. If the driver dozes off or “zones out” due to fatigue, they can cause an accident.

    Fatigued truck drivers can cause the following types of collisions:

    • Rollover collisions
    • T-bone collisions (also known as broadside or side-impact collisions)
    • Rear-end collisions
    • Head-on collisions
    • Jackknife collisions

    Fatigue accidents can also result in multi-car pileups. Even if the tired trucker doesn’t crash into another vehicle directly, they may swerve into other lanes and cause other drivers to stop or swerve suddenly. In some accidents, the fatigued truck driver may force smaller cars off the road or into oncoming traffic.

    How to Avoid a Fatigued Driver Accident

    Unfortunately, you can’t control whether or not a fatigued truck driver gets behind the wheel. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of being involved in a fatigued driver accident involving a truck. Always obey traffic laws, avoid becoming distracted, and wear your seatbelt.

    You can also reduce your risk by driving defensively around large trucks. Give these vehicles plenty of space on the road. Maintain adequate following distance and don’t tailgate. If you need to pass a large truck, always use a designated passing lane, if available, and pass on the left. Be aware of the truck driver’s blind spots. Truck drivers cannot see:

    • 20 feet directly in front of their vehicle
    • 30 feet directly behind their vehicle
    • One lane to their left
    • Two lanes to their right

    When you’re passing a large truck, make sure you don’t linger in these blind spots. Remember, if you don’t see the driver in their mirror, the driver doesn’t see you. When you stay out of a truck’s blind spots, you can reduce the likelihood that a fatigued truck driver will hit you.

    What to Do if You Feel Fatigued While Driving

    It’s also important to do your part and make sure you never cause a fatigued driver accident. Avoid driving when you haven’t had enough sleep. If you’re taking a long road trip, give yourself plenty of time to stop and rest. Consider recruiting a buddy to drive in shifts and trade off when you get too fatigued.

    If you become tired while you’re driving, pull over as soon as it’s safe. Try getting out of the car to stretch, jog in place, or do a few jumping jacks. You can also try driving with the windows rolled down, listen to upbeat music, or drink a caffeinated beverage.

    However, the best solution to fatigued driving is rest. If you find yourself nodding off behind the wheel, stop driving until you can take a nap. Consider checking into a motel, if you can. Although it may not be convenient to stop and sleep, it’s always better to rest than risk causing a fatigued driver accident.

    Get Help After a Fatigued Driver Accident

    If you’ve been involved in a fatigued driver accident with a truck or any other vehicle, dial (469) 998-4069 now to schedule a free consultation with a Euless, TX accident attorney. Consultations are always 100% free and confidential.

    Our law firm has helped many drivers just like you receive settlements from fatigued drivers. With an accident settlement, you can help get your life back on track after a collision. Don’t wait. Reach out to our accident lawyers today.

    Call (214) 305-8277 for your free consultation.
    Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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