When interstate truck drivers are too tired to operate their vehicles safely, they put everyone on the road at risk. About 5 percent of all fatal truck crashes nationwide in a recent year involved fatigued or impaired drivers, according to the federal agency that regulates the trucking industry.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict Hours of Service regulations that are designed to keep commercial drivers from driving when dangerously fatigued and reduce the number of fatigue-related truck accidents. If a truck driver or trucking company violates these regulations and causes a crash, the truck driver and company may be held liable. Keep reading to learn more about fatigued driving laws and what they might mean for your case. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck in Indiana, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC to speak with an Indiana semi-truck accident lawyer.
What Are the Regulations Implemented to Reduce Driver Fatigue?
According to the Indiana Commercial Motor Vehicle Guidebook, truck drivers operating in the state must follow FMCSA rules to minimize driver fatigue. A few of the key Hours of Service rules for truck drivers are:
- The 14-hour window– Truck drivers can work for up to 14 consecutive hours after being off-duty for at least 10 consecutive hours. A driver may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty. The 14-hour window opens as soon as the driver starts performing work-related tasks, not when they start driving. During the 14-hour window, truckers can drive for up to 11 hours.
- Mandatory rest breaks– A driver must rest for at least 30 minutes after driving eight cumulative hours since their last 30-minute rest period.
- The 60/70-hour work week– Depending on their work schedule, truck drivers may only work for up to 60 hours in a seven-day work period or 70 hours in an eight-day work period.
These rules exist to protect truck drivers and others on the road. If a truck driver disregards the rules or a trucking company pressures a driver to keep driving when fatigued, the driver or the trucking company may be liable for a crash.
Were You Involved in an Accident Due to Truck Driver Fatigue? What’s Next?
If a fatigued truck driver injures you, it is crucial to start protecting your rights as soon as possible. Here are the steps to take after a collision with a fatigued truck driver, if possible:
- Report the accident to the police
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver. Get their name, commercial driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information
- Take photos of the accident scene and get contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Look around for any nearby surveillance cameras and note their locations
- Seek prompt medical treatment
- Preserve all records from your medical treatment and any receipts from other crash-related expenses
- Consult with a truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys
The Indianapolis truck accident lawyers of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and know the types of evidence to look for that indicate driver fatigue. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Call our Indianapolis office today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
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