Driver fatigue is one of the principle causes of truck accidents out on the road. Despite federal regulations which aim to limit the amount of time a trucker can sit behind the wheel, excessive sleepiness continues to be a problem. Trucks are a vital part of our country’s transportation industry; however, when truckers are unable to dedicate their full attention to driving safely, accidents can occur.

To combat the far-reaching problem of driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented strict limits on the amount of time a trucker can be on the road. These laws are known as “hours of operation” or “hours of service” laws and contain both daily and weekly maximums.

FMCSA regulations dictate that drivers who transport property cannot :

These rules are not always followed. The trucking industry can impose strict deadlines and timetables which may lead drivers to consider working longer than is allowed. In a study reported on by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), numerous drivers reported that they or someone they knew violated hours of operation regulations in order to meet deadlines.

If you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck driver, Gump & Faiella can help you fight for the monetary compensation you deserve. From analyzing company records and hiring practices to trip data collected by onboard computers, our Moberly truck accident attorneys know where to investigate to determine if driver fatigue contributed to your accident. When violations of federal trucking regulations occur, both the driver and their employer may be liable for your damages.

Would you like to learn more about your case? Contact us today to  schedule a FREE consultation with our firm today.

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