Those who are hit by commercial trucks, whether in a passenger vehicle or riding a motorcycle, can suffer painful and costly injuries as a result of the impact. Commercial trucks can weigh more than 60,000 pounds, while an average car weighs only about 3,500 pounds. Even less than that is the motorcycle, which weighs an average of 800 pounds. Imagining this huge commercial vehicle crashing into either a rider on two wheels or a driver on four can be devastatingly tragic. Unfortunately, some of these accidents may be caused due to truck driver fatigue. Contact a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta, GA
In the article here, we have explained what truck driver fatigue is, and what you should do if you are ever hit by a truck while sharing the road.
Why is truck driver fatigue such a dangerous thing?
From time to time, we may have to get in the car and drive while a little bit tired. Perhaps we are going home late from a long work day, or haven’t had our morning cup of joe yet. While being mildly droopy may not pose too much of a problem when on the road, being severely drowsy certainly can. There are actually body changes that can occur when a truck driver is fatigued. Here are just a few examples of what can happen to a driver that is very exhausted:
- Poor coordination
- Blurry vision
- Entering periods of microsleep
- Slower reaction response
- Impaired judgement
- Irritability/road rage
Why is driving while fatigued a common issue for truck drivers?
Truck drivers tend to have very strict schedules, in which they must arrive at certain destinations within an assigned period of time. This can add significant pressure to a truck driver who needs to get where they need to go due to client demands. It is not uncommon for truck drivers to proceed their route during nighttime hours. While this is a great way to avoid traffic and catch up on time, it can confuse the body when it has to be awake during normal sleeping hours.
What can I do if I suffered an accident due to being hit by a truck?
You should prioritize your health first, and get the medical treatment you need. Do not wait to see your doctor until hours or days after the incident, as your injuries could greatly worsen within that time frame. Even more importantly, do not be afraid to ask for an ambulance if you feel you need one while at the scene. It is rare for someone to walk away unscathed from such a crash. Once you have been deemed stable, you can then look into your legal options for compensation. If the truck driver was at-fault for the collision, he or she may have to pay you financial retribution for your medical bills, vehicle damages, and other losses. A Decatur truck accident attorney can consult with you to help you determine whether a lawsuit is the right path for your situation.
Thank you to our contributors at The Law Offices of Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into personal injury.
