Truck drivers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across Maryland. But when drivers are pushed beyond safe limits, fatigue becomes just as dangerous as alcohol or drugs behind the wheel. If you get into an accident caused by a tired truck driver, you need an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney on your side.
Tired truck drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road in Baltimore, MD. Continue reading for what you need to know about how fatigue contributes to truck accidents and what steps victims can take after a crash. If you need help after a wreck, call WGK Personal Injury Lawyers at (410) 469-9349 for a free consultation with a Baltimore truck accident lawyer. You can also contact us online.
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How WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident in Baltimore
For almost 50 years, WGK Personal Injury Lawyers has been fighting for crash victims in Baltimore, Maryland, and across the state. With over 80 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered, our team brings three generations of legal knowledge to every case.
Our Baltimore personal injury lawyers know that truck accident claims often hinge on uncovering the truth. Our lawyers move quickly to investigate the crash, gather critical evidence, and establish liability against negligent drivers and trucking companies.
From examining logbooks and electronic data to working with accident reconstruction experts, we build strong cases designed to maximize compensation. With a proven record of results and deep local roots, our Baltimore truck accident attorneys are prepared to fight for you every step of the way. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Are Tired Truck Drivers So Dangerous?
Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, and maintain focus.
Studies show that being awake for 17 hours straight affects the body much like a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 percent. After 24 hours without sleep, impairment is comparable to a BAC of 0.10 percent, which is above the legal limit for drunk driving in Maryland.
This level of impairment can mean the difference between stopping safely in time or plowing into a car during rush hour. With tractor-trailers weighing up to 80,000 pounds, even a momentary lapse in attention can cause catastrophic injuries.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Several factors contribute to tired truck drivers on Baltimore’s roads. Long hours and unrealistic delivery schedules often push drivers to stay awake longer than is safe. Poor sleep quality, overnight driving, and other factors also play a role.
Some of the most common contributors include:
- Long shifts and mandatory overtime: Trucking companies sometimes pressure drivers to cover more miles than allowed.
- Hours of service (HOS) violations: Federal rules cap driving time, but violations are still common.
- Nighttime driving: Circadian rhythm disruptions make late-night hours particularly risky.
- Poor rest opportunities: Limited safe rest areas along I-95 and I-70 force drivers to push on when they should stop.
- Stimulant use: Caffeine and even illegal substances may mask fatigue, but can lead to dangerous crashes when they wear off.
When these factors combine, Baltimore’s dense traffic and narrow city streets amplify the dangers.
Are There Federal and State Regulations to Prevent Tired Truck Drivers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets Hours of service (HOS) regulations to limit how long truckers can be on the road.
Generally, property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving and adhere to weekly limits.
Maryland enforces these federal rules, and local law enforcement, including Maryland State Police and Baltimore City police, conduct inspections at weigh stations and on city highways. However, violations still occur, whether through falsified logbooks or company pressure. A violation that leads to an accident can be powerful evidence of negligence.
How Do You Prove Fatigue in a Baltimore Truck Accident Case?
Establishing that fatigue played a role in a crash requires a careful investigation. Lawyers may examine the driver’s logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, toll receipts, and fuel records to uncover hours-of-service violations. Witness testimony and expert analysis of skid marks, speed, and braking distances can also help.
Baltimore accident victims should know that trucking companies and insurers often act quickly to protect themselves. Having an experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyer on your side can help preserve critical evidence.
What Should I Do After an Accident with a Tired Truck Driver?
Your priority after a truck accident should be medical care. Even if injuries do not appear immediately, delayed symptoms can be severe. Call 911, report the crash, and seek treatment right away.
You should also:
- Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from witnesses and the truck driver.
- Avoid discussing fault with the trucking company or their insurer.
- Contact a Baltimore personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Quick action can make the difference in securing full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Involved in An Accident with A Fatigued Truck Driver? Contact A Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Tired truck drivers put everyone on Baltimore’s roads at risk. When fatigue leads to catastrophic accidents, victims and their families should not bear the financial and emotional burden alone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to set up a free consultation. Let one of our experienced Baltimore truck accident lawyers help you pursue justice.
