Because they drive for a living, truckers traveling through Dallas, TX, tend to be more skilled behind the wheel than the average driver. However, while a trucker may be unlikely to cause a crash because of poor driving skills, long hours on the road can lead to fatigue — and that fatigue can result in catastrophic accidents.
If you’ve been seriously injured by a fatigued trucker, the Dallas truck accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers may be able to help. You can count on our experience and resources to give you an advantage as you pursue your claim.
Call our law office to schedule a free consultation at (214) 556-8321.
How Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Truck Accident In Dallas, TX
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Dallas, Texas, the first step you should take is to seek immediate medical care. After that, the next best thing you can do for yourself is to consult a Dallas personal injury attorney from Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers.
Working with an experienced lawyer can increase your chances of success, and we know what it takes to secure the compensation truck accident victims deserve after a crash. Some of the key ways we can help you include:
- Investigating the cause of your truck accident
- Identifying who is liable
- Calculating your damages
- Handling settlement negotiations
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
We are dedicated to protecting the futures of our clients and providing exceptional representation. Best Lawyers named us one of the best law firms in the United States for 2024, illustrating this commitment. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case review and consultation.
Why Are Tired Truck Drivers So Dangerous?
If you’ve ever tried to drive when you’re severely fatigued, you know how much extreme fatigue can impact your driving. When a fatigued driver is behind the wheel of a 40-ton semi truck instead of a two-ton passenger vehicle, the risk to other drivers on the road can be even greater. Here are some of the primary ways trucker fatigue leads to accidents:
Reduced Alertness
When most people think of fatigued drivers, they imagine falling asleep at the wheel. However, even if a driver isn’t close to falling asleep, fatigue can seriously impair their alertness.
This means they may not notice stalled vehicles, red lights, or obstructions in the road. If they see another vehicle or road hazard, it may be too late for them to react.
Slowed Reaction Time
Even if a fatigued trucker is alert enough to notice a possible hazard, they may not be able to react quickly enough to prevent a crash. Because trucks are heavier than standard cars, they already have a much greater stopping distance. Truck accidents can become much more likely when you add that to a slowed reaction time.
Impaired Judgment
Not everyone realizes that fatigue can lead to impaired judgment while driving, just as being under the influence of alcohol can. When dealing with significant fatigue, even drivers who are ordinarily responsible might speed, fail to check their mirrors, change lanes without signaling, or drive too quickly into turns. Any of these actions could lead to a crash.
Loss Of Control
When a fatigued trucker falls asleep behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic. At this point, the truck is effectively traveling with no one in control. It may drift into other lanes of traffic, run red lights, or even jackknife. Falling asleep behind the wheel is always dangerous but poses even greater hazards at highway speeds.
Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident Caused By A Fatigued Driver In Texas?
Determining liability for a car accident is often relatively straightforward. Barring unusual circumstances like a mechanical defect contributing to the crash, the at-fault driver is usually the only one legally responsible.
However, liability for truck accidents tends to be more complex in Texas. An employer could be held liable if a truck driver is fatigued behind the wheel and causes a crash. However, under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer may be held liable for the actions of an employee on duty.
Consequently, many truck accident lawsuits are filed against trucking companies and not individual drivers. Trucking companies have much higher insurance limits and more assets than individual drivers, so filing a lawsuit against the company generally makes more financial sense.
Contact Our Dallas Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
We understand that recovering from a serious accident isn’t just physically painful. The emotional toll may also make simply getting through the day feel impossible. Take the first step in protecting your future by turning to the Dallas truck accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers. Contact us to schedule your free consultation and get started today.
