Fatigued Truck Drivers
An accident with a commercial motor vehicle such as a semi-truck can prove devastating to both the victim and his or her family. Aside from the physical side effects of the accident, a family often experiences serious monetary harm and may also experience negative emotional side effects. When a truck accident arises from driver negligence, the victim may be able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for the damages that result. If you or a loved one incurred injury and other losses in a truck accident, contact Fine Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Fine Law Firm?
- Our law firm has 40 years of experience in truck accident law, and we maintain a 99% success rate in obtaining compensation for our clients.
- We take a client-first approach to personal injury law. We maintain close personal contact and provide candid advice when necessary.
- We are courtroom tested and do not hesitate to pursue litigation when it means obtaining maximum compensation for our clients.
- We bill on a contingency-fee basis, which means we will not collect a fee unless we secure a settlement on your behalf.
Federal Rules Govern Trucker Behavior
Operators of commercial motor vehicles and their employers must follow rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The organization sets regulations to assure public safety – for example, drivers must abide by hours of service, take mandated breaks, and log reports related to truck maintenance. Unfortunately, logbook violations are common and often play a role in semi-truck accidents.
Driver fatigue is a common factor in semi-truck accidents. Though drivers must take breaks and must abide by certain shift length rules, they also operate under strict transport deadlines. When shippers and trucking companies value profit more than safety, it can create a dangerous situation for both the driver and other motorists on the road.
Committing Hours-of-Service violations is not only dangerous; it also lays the groundwork for negligence. When a driver fails to take mandated breaks and causes an accident, he or she may be liable for the damages the other parties involved incur.
Types of Compensation Available in Truck Accidents
When a person suffers an injury in a truck accident, he or she may be eligible for different types of compensation in the form of a personal injury claim.
- Economic, or special, damages seek to compensate the victim for the material losses that result from the accident. Common examples include medical bills, the cost of ongoing rehabilitation and therapy, and loss in income.
- General damages provide recompense for the intangible losses a victim suffers from an accident – physical pain and suffering, loss in life quality, and loss in partnership or consortium are common examples.
Why You Need an Attorney
Truck accident claims involve matters of federal law as well as state and local regulations. An attorney helps determine the parties responsible for your injuries and holds them accountable for any losses you incurred from negligence. Attorneys can also offer other benefits.
- They can evaluate the worth of your claim and negotiates with an insurance company on your behalf to demand fair compensation.
- They can allow you to focus on the process of recovering from your injuries.
- They will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to pinpoint the parties responsible, pursuing multiple claims against defendants if necessary.
Contact Us Today
Accidents involving commercial motor vehicles often involve high amounts in damages, as they result in serious or permanently disabling injuries. When a truck accident occurs through driver fatigue, you may have grounds for a claim against the driver or his or her employer. Contact the New Mexico attorneys at Fine Law Firm today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.