Unfortunately, we tend to push our bodies to the limit when it comes to getting tasks done on the smallest amount of sleep here in Upstate New York. This can often lead to sleepiness behind the wheel. While yawning and drinking some coffee on your morning commute to work may seem harmless to you, if a tractor-trailer driver feels fatigued, it could be lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal truck accident.

Why Overtired Driving Is Dangerous

Imagine falling asleep at the wheel of your vehicle. This may cause property damage for sure and possibly even minor to severe injuries. Now ponder the driver of a tractor-trailer falling asleep at the wheel. This is a much larger vehicle and, therefore, a crash would likely cause great devastation, including, damage to vehicles and property, loss of cargo, and, even worse, it could severely injure or kill someone. Truck drivers are notorious for having complex and time-sensitive schedules every day. Whether it is their boss forcing them to make up impossible time, or their desire for more income, drivers of semis and big rigs are forced to miss out on necessary sleep in order to perform their job. Some may be at risk of even losing their job should they miss a hard deadline. This leads truck drivers to go to great lengths, such as consuming energy drinks or resorting to drugs to stay awake. Still, these actions often fail and drivers of tractor-trailers may lose consciousness while behind the wheel and in the middle of traffic. This can result in even the most experienced and defensive drivers on the road becoming the victim of a truck accident.

Trucking Accidents During the Holidays

Commercial truck accidents are especially prominent during the holiday season. Between an increase of traffic for traveling and sticking to a strict holiday delivery schedule, there are more vehicles on the road and a higher chance of an accident. In a previous blog post, we dive into the dangers of holiday travel and the potential for a car or 18-wheeler accident and how to stay safe while traveling this holiday season.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Trucking Accident

If you’re involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck vehicle, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure everyone in the accident is unharmed. Next consider the steps leading to the accident. Make observations of the scene and record your entire account of the incident. Next, contact a truck accident lawyer. This professional will have the experience necessary in trucking accident cases to be able to establish a lawsuit for your rightful compensation. Whether it is for minor injuries or wrongful death, a trucking accident lawyer can help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need The People’s Lawyer on your side. Contact accident attorneys Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi and Pearlman for free legal advice today. Your injuries are not your fault, let us help you. Contact our office today.

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Tags: Truck Accidents