Truck driver fatigue is a serious problem in the transportation industry. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted numerous studies that indicate between 30 and 45 percent of all semi-truck crashes involve an aspect of driver fatigue. Our Tampa Trucking Attorneys have extensive experience in litigating semi-truck accidents and are familiar with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, as well as Florida laws that govern large trucks within our state. We are dedicated to representing individuals and families who have been injured as a result of a Florida trucking accident.
It is important for attorneys to understand that many truck drivers falsify their mandatory log book entries. Therefore, it becomes especially important for the truck accident attorney to request and obtain other information to fully investigate whether or not the truck driver was over the allowable hours at the time of the accident. Most semi-trucks are equipped with on-board recording devices and/or satellite communication systems, which can make the comparison to the log books much easier for the truck accident attorney. Other documentation such as fuel receipts and toll receipts can also play an important role in assisting the attorney who is investigating a truck accident claim.
Motor carriers that are aware of and permit their drivers to continue to drive over the allowable hours can be subjected to punitive damages. Because driver fatigue continues to be the number one safety issue facing the trucking industry, it is important for the truck accident attorney to obtain information from the motor carrier to determine what, if any training and precautions were instituted to prevent or at least limit driver fatigue.
Should you have any questions regarding Florida trucking accidents and/or Florida trucking regulations, please contact us, your Tampa Personal Injury Attorney. Our personal injury attorneys litigate trucking accident cases in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Pasco County, Manatee County, Hernando County and throughout the greater Tampa Bay area.