Truck driver negligence is a significant factor in many accidents involving large commercial vehicles. These accidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, but negligence can lead to devastating consequences. A Virginia Beach truck accident attorney can help accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a widespread issue among all drivers, but it can be particularly dangerous when a truck driver is involved. Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to boredom and a tendency to engage in distracting behaviors. Examples of distracted driving by truckers include:
- Texting or using a mobile phone while driving
- Eating, drinking, or reaching for items within the cab
- Using in-cab entertainment or navigation systems without proper hands-free technology
- Reading or writing notes, documents, or logs while driving
Distracted driving diverts a truck driver’s attention away from the road, making it more difficult for them to react to changing traffic conditions or unexpected hazards. Accidents resulting from distracted driving can have catastrophic consequences, including multi-vehicle collisions and severe injuries.
Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers often face tight schedules and long hours on the road. Fatigue can impair their judgment, reaction time, and overall alertness, increasing the risk of accidents. The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set limits on the amount of time truck drivers can spend driving and require specific rest periods. Examples of violations that lead to fatigue-related accidents include:
- Exceeding the maximum driving hours allowed in a single day or week
- Falsifying logbooks to conceal the actual time spent driving
- Ignoring mandatory rest breaks and driving continuously for extended periods
Fatigue-related accidents can result in devastating consequences, as drowsy truck drivers may fail to recognize hazards, drift into other lanes, or rear-end vehicles due to slowed reaction times.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is a prevalent form of truck driver negligence that can lead to accidents. Commercial trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles, and high speeds reduce a truck driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Examples of reckless driving behaviors by truckers include:
- Exceeding posted speed limits
- Failing to adjust speed to adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Weaving in and out of traffic lanes aggressively
Speeding and reckless driving by truckers can lead to rear-end collisions, loss of control, and devastating accidents with severe injuries or fatalities.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving involving alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications is another significant form of truck driver negligence. Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Examples of impaired driving by truckers include:
- Consuming alcohol or drugs while on the road.
- Operating a commercial truck with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit.
- Using prescription medications that impair judgment and motor skills.
Impaired truck drivers are more likely to make poor decisions, have slowed reaction times, and experience impaired judgment, all of which increase the risk of accidents with severe consequences.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Help
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a truck accident, our Virginia truck accident attorneys are available to discuss the circumstances of your case and what legal recourse you may have against those who may be responsible for the accident.
Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out how we can help.