While drivers in the state of Illinois are urged to never operate a motor vehicle of any sort when feeling sleepy or overly fatigued, there is no law that prohibits a motorist from getting behind the wheel of their vehicle when they are feeling tired. In fact, driving while tired has become a growing concern for motorists all across the country. And here’s one reason why. While it has been reported that the average American works 44 hours a week, many actually find themselves working far more hours than that [Source: CNBC].
Although some adults who are employed full time have reported that they work an average of 47 hours a week, CNN states that “nearly four in 10 workers report logging 50+ hours on the job.” And the more hours an individual puts into a workweek, the less time they have to get in their recommended seven to eight hours of rest each night. Unfortunately, because many individuals who work these long hours have other obligations as well, their sleep is often compromised, and they are forced to operate their vehicle while feeling fatigued. This, in turn, affects a driver’s ability to make good decisions, decreases their reaction time, and increases the chances of them falling asleep at the wheel [Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].
Truckers who operate large commercial trucks that are required to spend countless hours on the road are prone to falling asleep while driving, especially those who drive beyond the number of hours the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restricts them to.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a semi or tractor-trailer in Chicago and you believe the incident occurred as a result of the driver falling asleep at the wheel, it is essential that you contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. located in Chicago, IL. Our experienced truck accident lawyers will help you recover the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to receive based on how severe your injuries are, how much income you lost as a result of the incident, and even how the aftermath of the crash has impacted your quality of life.
What are some ways attorneys hold truckers accountable when they fall asleep at the wheel?
When a truck driver causes an accident as a result of drowsy driving, an attorney must collect evidence that proves the trucker was negligent. Aside from taking a statement from the truck operator, they can also obtain data from the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) which will show whether or not the trucker violated the FMCSA’s hours-of-service rules. The fact is, most operators of large commercial trucks must adhere to these rules which limit the number of hours a trucker is permitted to drive to ensure the safety of the public is never put in jeopardy.
What are the FMCSA’s hours-of-service rules?
The FMCSA states that truckers who are required to comply with their rules and regulations may only drive for a maximum of 11 hours after having 10 consecutive hours off duty. A trucker may work a 14-hour shift, however, they cannot drive beyond the 14th hour nor can they exceed that 11-hour limit during their time on duty. Drivers who are caught violating this law will be held liable for their actions. Because ELD’s have made it easier to track the number of hours a trucker has been operating their vehicle, attorneys often use the data stored in it to help support their client’s case.
Now, if you are looking to retain a truck crash lawyer in Chicago, IL who can help you recognize a trucker for their negligent actions, contact our firm at 1-312-384-1920. Whether the incident has led to you suffering physically, psychologically, and/or financially we can help you collect the money you are due to make up for the losses you experienced. To schedule an initial consultation to learn more about our lawyers and why we are considered the best at handling personal injury cases, call us today.
You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
1-312-384-1920
Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com
