Killeen Fatigued Trucker Accident Lawyers

Pursue Compensation with an Experienced Legal Team

Fatigued truckers pose a significant danger on the roads, often leading to catastrophic accidents with devastating consequences. At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to helping victims in Killeen, TX, seek the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver, our experienced team is here to help.

Contact us today at (254) 938-6885 for a free initial consultation.

Common Reasons Why Truckers Drive Fatigued

Truck drivers face unique challenges that often push them beyond safe limits. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, and several factors contribute to this issue:

• Long Hours on the Road: Truckers often drive for extended periods to meet tight delivery deadlines, reducing the time available for rest and recovery.
• Pressure to Meet Deadlines: Trucking companies frequently impose strict schedules, incentivizing drivers to forego adequate sleep.
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea can severely impact a driver's ability to rest, increasing fatigue levels.
• Inadequate Rest Stops: Limited availability of safe and comfortable rest areas can discourage truckers from taking necessary breaks.
• Night Driving: Many truckers drive at night, disrupting their natural sleep cycles and leading to exhaustion.

Recognizing these contributing factors can be critical in proving negligence in a fatigued trucker accident case.

Federal Hours and Service Regulations

To address the dangers of fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest:

• Maximum Driving Hours: Drivers may not exceed 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window after coming on duty.
• Mandatory Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
• Weekly Limits: Truckers cannot drive more than 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight consecutive days.
• 34-Hour Restart: Drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty to reset their weekly driving limit.

Despite these regulations, some drivers and companies violate these rules, prioritizing profits over safety. Our legal team can review logbooks, electronic data, and other evidence to determine if an HOS violation contributed to your accident.

Who Else is Liable Besides the Truck Driver?

While the truck driver is often at fault in fatigued driving accidents, other parties may also share responsibility, including:

• Trucking Companies: Companies that pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines or fail to enforce HOS regulations can be held liable.
• Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can increase driver fatigue by making the truck harder to control, especially during long hauls.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Defective truck components, such as faulty brakes or tires, can exacerbate the effects of driver fatigue, leading to accidents.
• Third-Party Maintenance Providers: Poorly maintained vehicles can contribute to accidents, particularly when fatigue is already a factor.

Identifying all liable parties is essential for maximizing your compensation. Our team has the expertise to investigate all aspects of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C.?

When it comes to truck accident cases, you need a legal team with the knowledge, experience, and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we:

• Offer Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our approach to meet your needs.
• Have a Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully recovered significant settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims.
• Utilize Cutting-Edge Technology: We use advanced tools to reconstruct accidents, analyze data, and build compelling cases.
• Work on a Contingency Fee Basis: You don’t pay us unless we win your case.

To request a free case evaluation, call (254) 938-6885 or contact us online today.