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Grand Rapids, Michigan Truck Accident Injury Attorney

Grand Haven truck driver fell asleep at the wheel crash lawyer

Lawyer For Accidents Caused By Semi-Truck Drivers Asleep at the Wheel in Kent County, Muskegon County, and Surrounding Areas

Driver fatigue, or drowsy driving, is an issue that plagues drivers of all kinds as our busy lifestyles may encourage long waking hours and inadequate sleep. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates there are at least 90,000 accidents involving drowsy driving each year based on police report data, resulting in around 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths, but these numbers could be much higher due to the challenges of identifying driver fatigue.

Semi-truck drivers contribute to the number of drowsy driving accidents in part because their work requires them to be on the road for long hours, often overnight. These accidents present a danger to not only the truck driver, but also other drivers and passengers who may be seriously injured or killed in a collision with a large, heavy truck.

If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by drowsy driving, John D. Tallman, PLC can help. For nearly 40 years, we have represented victims in personal injury cases seeking full compensation from all responsible parties, and we can navigate the complications that often arise in cases involving trucking companies. We only require compensation for our services if we achieve a settlement or verdict for you, so we are invested in your case from beginning to end.

Factors Related to Truck Driver Fatigue

According to the NHTSA, drowsy driving accidents are most common between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m., and between midnight and 6 a.m., due to the body's natural sleep rhythms. Because of truck drivers' unconventional work hours, they are often on the road during both of these time windows. Some prescription medications can also contribute to drowsiness, and driving under the influence of alcohol, in addition to the other dangers it presents, can increase driver fatigue.

Drowsy driving can lead to slower reaction times, greater potential for driver error, and falling asleep at the wheel, all of which can be considered negligence if they cause an accident resulting in injuries. This means that injured parties can usually seek compensation from the driver for their damages.

Sometimes, accidents involving truck driver fatigue can be symptoms of a larger pattern of negligence on the part of the drivers and the companies that employ them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates the number of hours that a commercial vehicle driver can be on the road per day, per week, and without resting, and it also requires drivers to keep an updated record of their hours of service. If a truck driver exceeds the allocated hours or falsifies their records on their own or under pressure from the trucking company to meet shipping deadlines, both the trucker and the company may be held responsible.

Our Ottawa County Truck Accident Law Firm Can Help

If you have been injured by a truck driver, hiring an attorney as soon as possible can help you achieve the compensation you need. We can help you identify and document the extent of your injuries and any resulting damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement. We can also help you obtain evidence of fault, which for truck driver fatigue cases often requires access to the driver's logbook and the company's records that you may have trouble getting on your own.

We will guide you through filing your claim, and then represent you in settlement negotiations with the at-fault parties, their insurance companies, and legal teams. Trucking companies often have experience fighting personal injury claims, so you need an attorney with the experience to push back and keep them from reducing your payout. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, you will also want an attorney with trial experience who can present a strong case for you in court.

Contact a Holland Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

When you need timely relief for your injuries and expenses resulting from a drowsy truck driver, working with an attorney to file a personal injury claim is often your best option. Contact us at 616-361-8850 for a free consultation to learn about the compensation you are entitled to and how we can help you obtain it. We serve clients in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties, including in Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and nearby towns in West Michigan.


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