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Sending texts has been the cause of car collisions, but driver fatigue is just as dangerous because it leads to serious accidents as well. The law has recourse for people injured in collisions caused by fatigued drivers, and if you or a loved one were the victim of this type of accident, you may be able to sue several people so that the court can require them to make you whole again. Just make sure you secure a professional lawyer that specializes in this field if you take this route to justice.
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is often misunderstood. It is not just being drowsy or feeling like you need to go to sleep. Fatigue is when you lack energy and the motivation to keep going. It is a persistent feeling that is more than just being tired. In most cases, relieving fatigue only requires rest.
What Causes Fatigue?
Most of the time, the causes of fatigue are due to the person’s lifestyle. For example, when people do not exercise or they stay up late every night, this can lead to fatigue. Sometimes, medications can cause fatigue. Depression or some other medical condition can also be the cause of fatigue. Fatigue can also be because the person engages in too much or too little physical activity, eats poorly, or indulges in alcohol or drug use.
What Can Happen Lawfully if a Vehicle Causes a Traffic Accident?
You may be able to sue the person who is liable for your accident. For instance, if a commercial truck driver caused the collision because of fatigue, the responsible parties may be the driver as well as the driver’s employer.
Truck Drivers
Commercial truck drivers are particularly at risk of driving while fatigued and being the cause of a serious collision. They have deadlines that they are pressured to keep, so they feel obligated to remain on the road longer than the government allows. This is why many truck drivers fall asleep behind the wheel, but falling asleep is not the only danger. Just being drowsy is enough to cause delayed reactions to road conditions.
Commercial truck drivers must follow the rules and regulations set out by the state and federal governments. These rules and regulations limit the number of hours that they can drive. The rules were created for the express purpose of preventing people from driving while they are fatigued. If they do so anyway, they are subject to being held legally responsible for a collision that they cause.
Bus Drivers
Bus drivers are susceptible to fatigue, and you can sue several people if you are injured in a collision caused by a fatigued bus driver. This includes the bus driver, the bus company, a government agency or a company that operates a tour you were on.
Motorists
A motorist who drives while drowsy can be determined to be negligent and responsible for your car collision. In this case, you would need to sue the driver’s insurance company for monetary compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one were hurt by a fatigued driver, contact a personal injury attorney today.
