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What Happens When a Truck Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel?

What Happens When a Truck Driver Falls Asleep at the Wheel?

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Very often, truck drivers are fatigued while they are operating their trucks and tractor-trailers. Operating a large truck while fatigued can significantly increase a truck driver’s chances of bringing about a serious collision. When a large truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating, and in some cases, deadly.

If you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel, you have legal options. The knowledgeable Huntsville truck accident attorneys at Cloud, Ryan & Rouse can assist you with filing a legal claim against the at-fault truck driver and/or the trucking company that employs the driver. 

Why are Truck Drivers So Fatigued While Driving?

Trucking companies often incentivize drivers who arrive at their destinations quicker than planned. Consequently, many truck drivers will try and log as many hours as possible at any one time. In order to do this, some drivers will consume drugs, in an attempt to keep themselves awake for long periods of time. Other drivers will simply try to stay awake and drive for as long as they possibly can, without stopping.

Driving for long hours on end can result in extreme fatigue for truck drivers, increasing their chances of falling asleep at the wheel and causing an accident.

Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Drivers Who Fall Asleep at the Wheel

Truck drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can bring about a serious collision with another motor vehicle. For example, when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, he or she may cross the centerline or median, bringing about a head-on collision with another vehicle.

A truck driver who falls asleep may also bring about a rear-end collision with another vehicle. Alternatively, when a truck driver falls asleep, the truck may veer into another travel lane, colliding with another vehicle in the process. These types of accidents are even more serious when the truck is moving at a high rate of speed.

Pursuing Compensation in a Truck Accident Case

If you are able to prove that a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel caused your motor vehicle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the truck driver directly and/or against the trucking company that employs the driver. 

A trucking company may be vicariously liable for negligent truck drivers who are acting within the scope of their employment at the time an accident occurs. Moreover, a trucking company can be liable under a negligent hiring, retention, or supervision theory, if a particular truck driver has a history of falling asleep at the wheel and causing similar accidents (about which the trucking company was aware). A Huntsville truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the monetary compensation that you need for your injuries. Specifically, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. 

Talk to a Huntsville Truck Accident Attorney Today

Truck accidents caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can bring about extremely serious injuries and damages. If you or a person you love has suffered an injury in a truck accident that was caused by a negligent driver, the experienced team of attorneys at Cloud, Ryan & Rouse is ready to help. 

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Huntsville truck accident attorney, please call us today at (256) 801-1000 or contact us online. 


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