Fatigue is the great enemy of truck drivers. To combat this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has developed rules limiting the number of hours drivers can operate. Additionally, drivers are required to keep logs of their driving and off-duty periods. Despite this, many serious truck accidents occur each year as a result of driver fatigue. If you were injured in a trucking accident that may have been caused by driver fatigue, it is important to seek out the counsel of a personal injury lawyer who can advise you about your rights and options.
A Law Firm With the Resources to Build a Strong Case
At the Denver law firm of James L. Finegan, P.C., attorney Finegan advocates for clients injured in truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. He marshals the extensive resources of the firm to investigate the accident, consulting with experts such as accident reconstructionists, trucking specialists, and physicians to determine the extent of the client's injuries and their effects on the client's life and family. He reviews all possible insurance coverage, including the client's own coverage. The firm's investigator interviews witnesses and determines the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
The Driver's Log: a Key Piece of Evidence
In addition, attorney Finegan investigates the driver's log, which is one of the best ways to determine whether the driver was fatigued. Drivers are known to alter their logs in an effort to avoid the restrictions placed on their driving time. There are many incentives for drivers to do this: bonuses for delivering a load ahead of schedule, ability to get another load more quickly, and the ability to return home sooner are all reasons that drivers falsify their hours-of-service logs. However, doing this means they are driving fatigued, in violation of the law, and more likely to cause accidents.
Driving fatigued at the wheel of an 80,000 pound vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Additionally, fatigued drivers often try to counter their sleepiness by taking stimulants that can affect their response times and driving ability. This type of behavior constitutes negligence — negligence that allows the firm's Colorado truck driver fatigue lawyer to build a compelling case for compensating an injured client.
Free Case Evaluation, With No Attorney Fees Unless You Recover Compensation
For a lawyer with more than 30 years of experience with driver fatigue accidents, call the Denver truck accident attorney James L. Finegan, P.C., at 303-586-3061 or toll free at 877-834-4609. You may also contact the personal injury firm directly via e-mail at the Denver, Colorado, law offices. Call for a free initial consultation.
