The size and weight of some commercial trucks can produce vast damage and injury when they strike another vehicle or object. 18-wheeler drivers must make sure they have the proper training, are accustomed to laws and regulations concerning operating a commercial vehicle, proper licensing, ability to remain alert, and are knowledgeable in handling their vehicle with responsibility and attention at all times. It is paramount to safety that truck drivers obtain commercial driver’s licenses and hold the necessary endorsements for the type of cargo they haul and the model of truck they operate. When drivers fail to maintain proper licensing and training they put other motorists and pedestrians at risk. In Texas, Louisiana, and Florida truck accidents, the behavior of the truck driver is the leading cause of collisions that result in death; thus, truck operators have an obligation to abide by and practice safe driving.
Speeding is the leading and most well-known negligent behavior that truck drivers commit. Demand to deliver goods as promptly as possible in addition to extended hours on the road can make it appetizing to accelerate over the speed limit. Speed limits are intended to keep vehicles at a controllable speed. When drivers blatantly dismiss the posted speed limits, they not only risk losing control of their truck but they put other motorists lives in danger. Large commercial trucks are dangerous enough even when abiding by posted speed limits; thus, the blatant disregard of obeying road safety laws only increases an innocent motorists chances of being involved in a life-altering accident.
Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is deadly and in some states against the law. Many state laws do not allow drivers to use cell phones or text while driving. For instance, Texas forbids using a cell phone while driving in a school zone, Louisiana forbids new and intermediate drivers from using cell phones while driving, but Florida is one of the few states that allows a person to talk on a cell phone while driving. However, cell phones are not the only thing that distracts drivers. Often adjusting the radio, talking to a passenger, eating while driving, or looking at road signs can cause minor distractions that result in major consequences.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Sleep deprivation is a frequent dilemma for long-haul drivers. Texas, Louisiana, and Florida are home to Interstate 10 and other large highways that are used commonly by long-haul truck drivers.
Deprivation of sleep can reduce judgment and reaction time as much as drugs or alcohol. Although it is apparent that truck drivers should not engage a motor vehicle while intoxicated, it is more challenging to judge whether a person is too exhausted or sleepy to drive. Because of this, there are stringent laws about hours of service and rest. These laws make it compulsory for commercial drivers to take breaks from driving, take days off from driving, and log all hours to warrant that they are following the rules of the road. These rules are intended to curb the risk of a trucker driving while fatigued or driving a truck that is not properly maintained.
A tired truck driver is more inclined to cause a collision than a rested truck driver. When a drowsy driver takes a couple of hours off but does not get enough sleep, sleep deprivation can start to accumulate. As mentioned previously, driving while sleepy is equivalent to driving drunk. In fact, studies have demonstrated that driver fatigue diminishes driving ability in the same manner as a person consuming alcoholic beverages.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration demands commercial truck drivers to keep logs of their responsibilities, which includes the number of hours at rest, servicing a truck, and maintaining a truck. When driver’s negligence or carelessness is the cause of a devastating truck accident in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, these logs provide crucial evidence that tells the tale of recklessness and a gross abandonment for the safety of human lives.
Hire An Aggressive Negligent Truck Driver Lawyer to Get Justice
To secure maximum compensation that you and your family deserve you should speak with a dedicated and diligent negligent truck driver lawyer. A tough and aggressive negligent truck driver lawyer at the Testa Law Group will have the dedications, skills, and determination to fight for you and your family. The Testa Law Group will help you and your family heal and recuperate from your injuries and losses. Call The Testa Law Group at 877-780-9052 for a free consultation with an experienced negligent truck driver lawyer.
Mr. Testa, a Negligent Truck Driver Lawyer, Truck Accident with a national practice who represents members of our society who have been seriously injured or killed due to the irresponsible acts of an individual or company. He is licensed to practice law in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida and admitted to practice in the Southern District of Texas and also in the United States Court of International Trade.