Truck accidents are some of the most devastating on our roads today in Las Vegas, Nevada. When a truck collides with a car, the repercussions can be disastrous, leaving victims with injuries that will change their lives forever – even causing death in certain cases.
Many of these accidents are caused by fatigued truck drivers who are struggling to stay awake on long journeys. If you’ve experienced a truck accident in Las Vegas, NV, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Contact us at (702) 570-9000.
How Battle Born Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue in Las Vegas
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, Battle Born Injury Lawyers can help. Our attorneys have over 85 years of combined experience, and we’ve secured more than $100 million for our deserving clients Here’s how we can assist after a truck crash caused by a tired driver:
- We will investigate your accident to determine who was responsible.
- We will build a strong case against the negligent party.
- We will help you obtain medical records and any evidence needed to show your losses and calculate your damages.
- We will negotiate with insurance companies and take your case to trial if it cannot be settled for what you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Las Vegas truck accident attorney.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Las Vegas, NV?
Every year, thousands of people in Nevada are involved in truck accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to fatal collisions. Some relevant truck accident statistics for Nevada and the United States include:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recorded 5,237 trucks involved in fatal crashes in 2019 across the country.
- Based on 2020 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,965 people killed in large truck crashes.
- According to NHTSA data, there were 32 large trucks involved in fatal crashes in Nevada in 2020.
Although fatal truck crashes in Nevada are relatively rare, the overall number of accidents involving these vehicles is likely much higher.
Overview of Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents
There are many causes of truck driver fatigue, including:
Extended Driving Hours
Extended driving hours are one of the primary causes of driver fatigue. Long journeys, especially nonstop ones, can be physically taxing and increase the likelihood of fatigue.
This can lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction times on the road, particularly for commercial truck drivers who may not be given adequate breaks for rest.
Irregular Sleep Patterns
One of the most significant contributors to driver fatigue is irregular sleep patterns. Many truck drivers work long hours, sometimes up to 14 hours a day or more, causing them to miss sleep or lose valuable restorative sleep time.
To ensure consistent and sufficient sleep, truckers should maintain healthy sleep habits, such as setting aside adequate sleep time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and creating a dark and quiet sleep environment.
Pressure From Employers
Employer pressure is another factor that contributes to fatigued driving among truck drivers. Often, employers demand fast delivery schedules, requiring drivers to rush to meet quotas, reducing breaks between trips, and omitting crucial rest periods.
Additionally, employers may inflate payment rates for faster completion. This pressure can make truckers feel obligated to drive even when they are tired and know they shouldn’t drive.
Employers should prioritize their trucker employee’s health and allow them reasonable break times, reasonable delivery schedules, and adequate rest periods – the cost and processes involved in an accident are significant.
Risks of Truck Driver Fatigue in Las Vegas, Nevada
Driver fatigue can have serious consequences. Tired truck drivers are more likely to make mistakes that can result in accidents. Some of the risks associated with driver fatigue include:
Reduced Reaction Times
Driver fatigue reduces the ability to react quickly, which is crucial when driving. Tired drivers often can’t react as quickly to changing situations on the road, like objects on the road, weather-related obstacles, or changes in the flow of traffic. This decreased reaction time increases the risk of accidents.
Poor Decision Making
Driver fatigue also impacts decision-making abilities. When we are tired, we tend to make bad decisions, which can be dangerous when driving. Fatigued drivers may make risky moves, such as changing lanes without checking all mirrors, driving through red lights, or failing to yield to pedestrians.
Inattentiveness and Distractions
Fatigued drivers are more likely to be inattentive while on the road, and may be more easily distracted as well. It becomes more difficult to focus on the road when tired, especially at nighttime.
Liability in Las Vegas Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents
Liability in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver can be complex and may involve multiple parties. In general, liability can be attributed to the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, or even to the shipper or loader of the cargo.
The driver may be held liable if they violated federal hours-of-service regulations, operated the vehicle while drowsy or fatigued, or otherwise behaved negligently while behind the wheel.
Additionally, the employer can be held liable for your injuries in some circumstances through a vicarious liability claim, particularly if they knew the driver was tired and encouraged them to drive anyway.
It’s also possible for the manufacturer of the truck or some of its parts to be held responsible for the accident if their defects caused the accident.
The shipper or loader of the cargo may also be found responsible if they overloaded or improperly loaded the truck, leading to a shift in weight that caused the accident.
If you’ve been in an accident with a truck driver, it’s important to get as much proof as you can to show that they were at fault. This includes obtaining the driver’s logbooks and driving history, analyzing the truck’s black box data, and speaking with witnesses who may have seen the accident or the driver’s behavior leading up to it.
An attorney can handle all of this for you and much more. Contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers today to discuss your legal rights and options after a truck accident in Las Vegas.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Las Vegas Tired Truck Driver Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured after a truck accident, it’s critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible so you can recover compensation to get back to your life. For help, contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned Las Vegas truck accident attorney.
