Driver Fatigue
Our Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You File an Effective Claim
A significant portion of a trucker’s career is spent traveling the open roads and making essential deliveries nationwide. Unfortunately, there isn’t much time for sightseeing or adventuring when a truck driver’s schedule is motivated by strict deadlines. In fact, many commercial vehicle operators often feel pressured to break state and federal trucking laws just to meet the rigorous demands of their companies. As a result, these truckers may partake in unsafe driving practices like forgoing off-duty hours and sacrificing sleeping breaks.
In Illinois, driver fatigue is responsible for nearly 20% of all commercial truck accidents. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident due to the negligent actions of a fatigued driver, contact the Chicago truck accident attorneys at McNabola & Associates, LLC. We can evaluate the evidence, investigate the circumstances of the accident, and develop a case strategy that effectively demonstrates the negligence of the fatigued driver.
Call our Chicago truck accident lawyer at (312) 888-8700 to explore your legal options.
Fatigued Truck Driving Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the United States Department of Transportation, implemented Hours of Service regulations to keep fatigued truckers away from public roadways. These regulations apply to any driver operating a truck or vehicle that classifies as a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
The Hours of Service regulations state the following:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truckers can drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours so long as it’s preceded by 10 off-duty hours or a sleeper break.
- 14-Hour Driving Limit: Truckers can drive up to 14 hours so long as they take breaks and don’t exceed 11 consecutive driving hours.
- 30-Minute Rest Rule: This rule states that a trucker can’t surpass 8 driving hours without taking a 30-minute break or a sleeper break.
- 70-Hour Rule: A trucker can’t drive more than 70 hours within an 8-day period.
While these regulations exist to ensure public safety, some drivers falsify their logs just to meet deadlines and improve their overall travel time. However, when drivers skip breaks or don’t get enough sleep, their ability to make safe judgements is compromised. Worse, if a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, many lives could be endangered. When truck drivers begin noticing symptoms of driver fatigue, they need to pull over and rest until they can safely drive. If they ignore their symptoms, they are actively practicing negligent behaviors and should be held legally responsible.
Symptoms of driver fatigue include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Restlessness
- Drifting between lanes
- Missing exits
- Yawning
- Tailgating
A truck driver who violates any of these safety regulations may be found in egregious violation of state and federal laws. If an accident occurs, the truck driver may face serious misdemeanor or felony charges and costly penalties.
Your Lawsuit
Passenger vehicles are always at a disadvantage when it comes to truck collisions. When accidents occur, victims often sustain severe and even catastrophic injuries that require significant medical attention. If you’re ready to file a claim and recover damages that may facilitate your recovery, call McNabola & Associates, LLC. Our Chicago truck accident attorney has the skills and experience to represent your case and negotiate with the trucking company and insurance providers on your behalf.
To help you pursue justice and compensation, we work on a contingency fee basis. Contact McNabola & Associates, LLC at (312) 888-8700 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Real People, Real Stories
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Ted McNabola is an amazing attorney! He handled my mom’s case after she was hit by a car as a pedestrian. The difference between Ted and other attorneys is that he never gave up! It was a long process of 3 years but when other attorney’s would have given up just to make some money on the case, Ted refused to do so!! In the end he got my mother EVERYTHING she was asking for! Thank you Ted for never giving up!!!!- Kat J.
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I had the pleasure of working with Ted McNabola after a serious car accident that left me with a brain injury. From the first time we met, I knew I was in good hands. Ted was kind, patient, and understanding, and he went above and beyond to help me get the compensation I deserved for my medical bills, pain and suffering. Throughout the legal process, Ted was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. He kept me informed every step of the way and fought tirelessly to ensure that my rights were protected. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, I was able to focus on my recovery and move on from the accident. If you're looking for a lawyer who truly cares about his clients and will fight for their rights, then I highly recommend Ted McNabola’s Team. He is a skilled professional and a kind and compassionate person who will go the extra mile for you. Thank you, Ted, and Tom for all that you did for me! I am forever thankful!- Sammy M
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“Edward W. McNabola, Esq was able to get me the most compensation allowed by the at fault driver.”- William J.
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Working with Ted and his team has been wonderful throughout the duration of my case. I would absolutely recommend his services to anybody in need. Ted and his team are intelligent, quick-working, and determined when it comes to fighting for their clients. Very pleased to have worked with him.- Anthony S.
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“Ted was personable and easy to work with but a bulldog when it came to fighting for us.”- Sherry G.
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“From start to finish they did everything the right way.”- Brad S.
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“They took good care of me.”- Cathy P
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Ted and his team are knowledgeable, thorough and experts in their field. On top of that, Ted is personable and makes you feel like family, which is a hard quality to find. Would highly recommend.- Kelsey I.
