Preventing Distracted Driving: How to Avoid Truck Driver Fatigue and Keep Our Roads Safe

When a driver is distracted, he may not be able to react quickly enough to changing road conditions or other hazards, such as pedestrians or other vehicles. This can lead to accidents that can cause serious injury or death. The issue of truck drivers falling asleep on the roads is a serious and often overlooked problem that can have devastating consequences. Not only do these accidents pose a risk to the truck driver, but they are also a danger to other drivers and their passengers on the road. In Charlotte, North Carolina, truck driver fatigue has been a contributing factor in numerous accidents in recent years.

It's important for drivers to avoid distractions while driving and to focus on the task at hand. If a driver needs to do something that might be distracting, he should pull over to a safe location before engaging in the activity. This can help to reduce the risk of a crash and keep everyone on the road safe. Whether the driver is texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the music or other controls, or even simply daydreaming or thinking about something other than driving, they are distracted. All of these activities can divert a driver's attention from the road and increase the risk of a crash.

Factors that Contribute to Distracted Driving

There are many factors that can contribute to truck driver fatigue and distraction, including long hours on the road, lack of proper rest stops and facilities, poor scheduling practices by trucking companies, and personal health issues or unhealthy lifestyle habits. These factors have serious consequences and the results of truck driver fatigue or distraction can be severe. In Charlotte, there have been numerous cases of wrongful death caused by truck drivers in recent years. In addition to the loss of life, these accidents can also result in damage to property and cargo, as well as legal and financial consequences for the trucking company and the driver.

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent truck driver fatigue and the resulting accidents and fatalities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put regulations in place to limit the number of hours a truck driver can work in a given period. In addition, truck drivers are encouraged to prioritize their sleep and frequently take breaks at rest stops to rest and recharge. Technology such as alert systems and onboard cameras can also be implemented to monitor and prevent drowsy driving.

According to Matt Fleishman, a lawyer at Rosensteel Fleishman, “If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck driver, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.” 

Here are some courses of action you should consider:

Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after an accident. If you have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help you recover from your injuries, but it will also create a record of your injuries and treatment.

Gather evidence: If you are able, try to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This can include taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surroundings, as well as obtaining contact information for any witnesses.

Report the accident: You should report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. This will ensure that there is an official record of the accident and that you can begin the process of seeking compensation.

Consult with an attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand and navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. An attorney can also help you understand your rights and options, and represent you in negotiations with the trucking company or their insurance provider.

File a lawsuit: If the trucking company or their insurance provider is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you understand the process and represent you in court.

Why is it important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after being injured by a truck driver?

Time limits: Most states have a time limit (known as the statute of limitations) for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For NC, this time limit is typically 3 years, based on NC General Statute § 1-52. If you wait too long to file a claim, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. In cases where a death occurred the time statute of limitations can be even shorter. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the time limits that apply to your case and ensure that you meet all deadlines.

Evidence: The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating your case and gathering evidence. This can include witness statements, photos of the accident scene, and medical records. The more evidence that is available, the stronger your case will be.

Compensation: A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company or their insurance provider. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can also represent you in court. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner you can seek compensation for your injuries.

Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming and stressful. A personal injury lawyer can take some of the burden off of you by handling the paperwork and all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Overall, contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after being injured by a truck driver can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (704) 714-1450 for a free consultation with our experienced staff to discuss your case.