Considering So Many Indianapolis Truck Accidents Involve a Truck Driver Who Was Tired, What Is Being Done to Address This Issue?
Driver fatigue is a startlingly significant contributor to the number of Indianapolis truck accidents. The extended hours, pressure to make stringent delivery deadlines, and fatigue from physically exhausting work makes sleep deprivation a huge cause for concern in terms of traffic accidents. Indianapolis law firms have seen first-hand how insufficient rest for drivers can make them more hazardous on the road, resulting in serious injury and even death for other motorists.
In an effort to combat the problem of driver fatigue and the accidents that it causes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, put in place the Hours-of-Service regulations in January 2004. These rules stipulate that interstate commercial truckers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours at a time or drive after they have been on duty for 14 hours until after they have taken a 10-hour break.
The Hours-of-Service regulations also say that drivers cannot drive after they have reached 60 hours in a 7 day period or 70 hours in an 8-day period.
As part of the enforcement of these provisions, truck drivers are required to keep a written log book that documents their hours. These log books are commonly referred to as “comic books” by truckers because of both the ease with which they are falsified and the perceived impracticality of making deadlines while obeying federal regulations.
These logbooks are frequently a misrepresentation of the driver’s hours and should be examined by whichever of the Indianapolis law firms you choose to represent you. Not all truck accidents can be prevented, but if negligence contributed to the truck collision that injured you, you can get justice for your injuries. Our Indianapolis personal injury office is ready to assist you.
Help from an Indiana Truck Accident Attorney
When you have complications with your claim following one of Indianapolis’ truck accidents, an attorney from one of the highly respected Indianapolis law firms can help you to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with filing a claim. In order to get back on track with your personal injury claim, download a copy of our FREE book, Consumer’s Guide for Injured Victims, and then contact a personal injury attorney at Hensley Legal Group for a no-cost consultation at (317) 472-3333.