Albany’s Boutique Litigation Firm:
Personal, professional and progressive.

Albany’s Boutique Litigation Firm

Why is trucker fatigue such a dangerous issue?

On Behalf of | Jul 3, 2024 | Truck Accidents

Truckers spend many hours on the road to complete a haul. Their pay often depends on the number of miles they drive and whether they can make the delivery on time. These factors can encourage truckers to drive as much as possible each day. 

Even though it’s possible that some truckers can drive for long periods, all truckers must comply with the hours of service (HOS) regulations. These are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

What’s included in the HOS regulations?

The HOS regulations include different time limits for truckers who haul property and those who carry passengers. There are limits for how truckers can handle driving if they have to do other tasks, such as loading their rig. These regulations also cover how long they have to take off between driving shifts. 

Because conditions on the road can change, there are exceptions for short hauls and adverse driving conditions. These regulations can come into the picture if the semitruck crashes into another vehicle because regulators will want to know if the trucker complied with every applicable point. 

Victims of semitruck crashes should ensure they receive the medical care they need, especially if they have serious injuries. This can be a costly undertaking because of the need for ongoing medical care and the potential for having to miss work. These victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help recover the costs associated with the crash. Time is of the essence, so working with someone who can assist with getting the case together quickly is beneficial.