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Truck Driver Fatigue Poses A Serious Accident Risk In New Jersey

Truck driver fatigue is a recognized crash risk. According to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash. Truck accidents often result in serious injury or death due to the size and weight of the truck involved.

Federal Regulations For Hours Of Service

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes safety regulations designed to address truck driver fatigue. These regulations place limits on the length of time truck drivers may drive their truck, as well as how many hours truck drivers may work before they are no longer allowed to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Three maximum duty limits include the 14-hour driving window limit, the 11-hour driving limit, and 60 hour/7 day and 70 hour/8 day duty limits. Surveys show, however, that many truck drivers violate these regulations, driving longer than the time period allowed under the law.

Truck Driver Fatigue And Negligence

Truck driver fatigue is a serious safety issue. Hence, the federal and state regulations are designed to guard against this risk and protect individuals from injury. When a truck driver violates these established safety regulations, it is considered negligent behavior. And when negligent behavior causes an accident that results in injury or death, the negligence may serve as the basis of a personal injury claim.

Personal Injury Law Protects Accident Victims

Personal injury law is an area of law that is designed to protect those who have been injured in accidents that were caused by another person or entity’s negligent act. In the case of an accident due to truck driver fatigue, a violation of regulations concerning the time limits for driving can constitute negligence. Proving negligence under personal injury law is not always easy. And when the accident involved a truck, personal injury cases become more complex, as there are several different parties that may bear liability for the accident.

Injured In A New Jersey Truck Accident? Let Us Help.

For more than 130 combined years, the dedicated accident attorneys at Lomurro Law have helped New Jersey families who have suffered injury in truck accidents. In addition to the physical recovery from the injury, which may include surgery and rehabilitation, accident victims often face lost wages and vacation time, in addition to medical expenses. If you have been injured in a truck accident, let us help. Our dedicated team advocates on behalf of our clients, skillfully navigating the complexities of personal injury law and successfully recovering just compensation for our clients. To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your truck accident, contact our office at 732-482-9285 or online.