Drowsy Driving A Common Factor In Washington State Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Washington State pose serious risks to all motorists on the road. Drowsy driving is a common factor in these crashes. Tight deadlines and long hours behind the wheel disrupt truckers’ sleep schedules and can cause symptoms that impact other road users. Our Issaquah truck accident attorney explains more about the risks and the rights of injured motorists in seeking compensation when a crash occurs.
Drowsy Driving Common In Truck Industry
Drowsy driving poses significant risks for everyone on the road and is common in the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that fatigue is a factor in nearly 15 percent of all large truck accidents. They often impact other motorists, causing severe and potentially life-threatening injuries.
The nature of the job and pressures within the trucking industry can make drowsy-driving truck accidents in Issaquah more likely to occur. Common factors in these crashes include:
- Irregular schedules, which can disrupt natural sleep patterns and make drivers more likely to feel fatigued;
- Excessively long hours on the road, despite federal regulations limiting driving time;
- Tight turnaround times, causing drivers to work weeks without taking a day off;
- Pressure to meet deadlines, which may require driving all night and skipping rest breaks.
The National Safety Council (NSC) warns that drivers who are awake for more than 20 hours have impaired judgment equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit. Even missing a few hours of sleep can cause vision disturbances, impaired judgment, and reduced reaction times, all of which increase Issaquah truck accident risks.
Fatigued Truck Drivers Put Other Motorists At Risk
Truck accidents in Washington State are common on Interstate 90, the 405, and other major roads running through the area. These routes are also heavily traveled by motorists. When a drowsy-driving truck crash happens, it can impact multiple other drivers and their passengers.
In the aftermath, you have the right to hold the truck driver, the trucking company, and others at fault accountable in a claim. To get the compensation you need to cover property damages, medical bills, lost earnings, and other costs, take these steps:
- Notify law enforcement immediately and request a copy of the accident report;
- Get contact information for the trucker, the company they work for, and any witnesses at the scene;
- Document what happened, taking photos or videos of the accident site and your injuries;
- Avoid downplaying your injuries, seek medical care, and follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and activity restrictions.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Issaquah Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents in Issaquah can cause devastating injuries for other drivers involved, and drowsy driving is a common cause. Injury Law Group NW provides the fierce legal representation needed to protect the rights of victims and their families. We stand up to trucking companies and fight to get you the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation with our experienced Issaquah truck accident attorney, contact our office today.
Sources:
fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/HoS-Fact%20Sheet.pdf
nsc.org/road/safety-topics/fatigued-driver
