Driver fatigue continues to cause truck accidents and injury in Louisville and across Kentucky.  Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continue to show driver fatigue as a leading cause in truck accidents which result in serious injuries or loss of life.

The statistics collected by both agencies showed accidents involving commercial trucks and large vehicles such as buses increased over 29% from 2009 through 2017 (the most recent year for which these statistics have been published).  Fatigue is listed as one of the leading causes of fatal accidents as well as those resulting in serious or catastrophic injury.

Commercial drivers must comply with all federal and Kentucky laws regarding operations of any truck or commercial vehicle.  Most laws limit truck drivers to 11 consecutive hours of operation in a given day.  However, many drivers attempt to use uncontrollable events such as loading or unloading delays, weather or mechanical issues to get around the 11 hour limit.

For example, recent studies have shown a driver who has been awake for 17 hours has the same reaction time as if their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was 0.05%.  Truck drivers who work for 11 hours consecutively are required to be off of work for at least 10 hours before their next drive period.  Present laws only require commercial drivers to take a 30 minute rest break every 8 hours.  How would you feel after driving for 8 straight hours without a break?

Driver fatigue continues to cause truck accidents and injury as well as wrongful death across our state.  Hargadon, Lenihan and Herrington, PLLC (HLH) has served Louisville and all of Kentucky since 1924.  Each of our attorneys has extensive trial experience resulting in successful verdicts.  We have the legal skill, knowledge and resources to stand up to the insurance companies representing trucking companies and other parties and hold them accountable for your injuries or the loss of a loved one.

We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 to speak with one of our experienced injury attorneys for a free consultation.  Learn more about your rights and how we will work aggressively to achieve a full and fair outcome in your case.