Any type of driver fatigue puts people at risk on the road, but it is especially dangerous when a trucker is tired or falls asleep at the wheel.
If you were involved in an accident with a fatigued truck driver in Mankato, you may be able to hold the trucker responsible for the harm they caused. Contact our local tractor-trailer collision attorneys today to set up a complimentary meeting to discuss your case.
Commercial tractor-trailers and semis can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Collisions with a car or motorcycle can lead to catastrophic damage to the smaller vehicle, with its occupants suffering severe or even fatal injuries. Some of the injuries which could be caused by tired truckers in Mankato include:
Minnesota’s no-fault insurance system allows someone involved in a crash to make a claim against the at-fault driver if they suffer a permanent injury, suffer at least 60 days of disability, or their injuries require at least $4000 in medical treatment. Truck accident injuries commonly meet that threshold.
A seasoned personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation from an at-fault truck driver and other negligent parties.
The federal government enforces hours of service rules for truck drivers to limit fatigue. These rules:
If drivers violate the hours of service rules and cause an accident, they may be negligent. A lawyer can review the trucker’s log and secure other evidence to identify all the parties whose negligence might have contributed to the crash. In some cases, a trucker’s company may be held liable.
When a trucker’s negligence causes injuries to other parties, they must compensate the injured individuals for their losses. A knowledgeable attorney can contact the trucking company and other potentially responsible parties to seek compensation for losses suffered as a result of the accident.
Compensation can include several forms of damages, such as missed wages, lost earning capacity, and medical bills. It can also include money to compensate the injured party’s physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life.
Most truck collisions can be settled out of court, but obtaining reasonable compensation requires a skilled negotiator with a deep knowledge of the trucking industry and negligence law. A Mankato accident lawyer can review your fatigued trucker crash case and help you reach a fair settlement. A Mankato accident lawyer can help you take the case to court if the insurance company or trucking company does not offer fair compensation.
Tired drivers tend to be less careful and less skilled in their maneuvers, causing an enhanced risk of a collision. This is one reason the federal government imposes strict limits on truckers’ working hours.
Get in touch with a local injury attorney immediately if you were hurt in a truck accident, especially if you believe the driver was fatigued. Select a legal professional with experience representing people harmed by fatigued truck drivers in Mankato accidents. Reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation.
