Studies have shown that driving drowsy is equivalent to drunk driving, as operating any motor vehicle when tired makes reaction time slower and concentrating more difficult. Drivers of large trucks pose an even greater risk to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists when they drive drowsy due to the substantial weight and overall size of tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks. Despite this, fatigue is common among truck drivers.
Motorists and pedestrians who have been injured by a fatigued truck driver in Connecticut will benefit from having a lawyer who can guide them through each step of the accident claim process. The dedicated truck accident attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have been helping clients for over 100 combined years. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Truck drivers operate their rigs in an environment that normalizes fatigued driving. Factors like high demand for deliveries, tight deadlines, and pay systems that incentivize getting from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible all play a part in the prevalence of fatigued truck driving in Connecticut.
Drowsy driving poses many risks, not just for the sleepy driver but also for everyone else on the road. What starts as a yawn or long blink can quickly become a potentially life-threatening situation. Other early signs of fatigue include difficulty concentrating, memory issues, heavy eyelids, and restlessness.
Drivers who have not slept in more than 18 hours typically have the same reaction time as drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .05 percent. In addition to slowed reaction times, truck driver fatigue causes a number of symptoms that can impact the driver’s ability to safely operate their truck, including:
In most accidents involving a drowsy truck driver in Connecticut, it is the trucker who is responsible for the damage their fatigue caused. It may also be possible that the trucking company or the other motorists share fault, which is why consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney is important. Identifying all at-fault parties is a crucial part of any personal injury claim.
Connecticut uses a fault-based system known as a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, the person or entity that caused an accident is liable for the damages resulting from the accident. It also states that any compensation received by injured parties is reduced by their percentage of fault.
Injuries in tractor-trailer collisions tend to be more severe than in other types of accidents, and catastrophic injuries often require extensive and lifelong medical treatments. Recovering financial compensation for the harm you’ve endured is a crucial part of your healing journey, and you may be able to receive monetary damages for the following:
Connecticut does not require you to have an attorney represent you when negotiating insurance settlements or litigating an injury lawsuit. However, navigating this process alone is not recommended and will likely result in you being taken advantage of. People who are not familiar with the state laws and federal regulations that pertain to the trucking industry will feel lost, and inexperience with the legal process can be confusing, overwhelming, and dangerous.
When you hire a lawyer you can trust to advocate for your best interests, you can focus on the important task of physical and emotional healing. Contact the truck accident attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free consultation. We hold fatigued truck drivers in Connecticut accidents accountable for the harm they cause. Let us fight for you.
