There can be a lot of factors that contribute to a truck accident. Hours of service violations, improperly secured cargo, and poor truck maintenance can all play a role. But even a trucker’s medical condition can cause a devastating truck accident that leaves you and your family reeling in the aftermath.
But how can that be? Aren’t there rules and regulations in place to prevent dangerous truckers from taking to the road? Unfortunately, not really.
How sleep apnea affects truckers
To see an example, just look at sleep apnea. This medical condition causes an individual to suffer from breathing disruptions during sleep, forcing him or her to wake up as many as 400 times per night. As a result, the individual is often excessively fatigued and tired, which can make a routine drive extremely dangerous.
Despite the obvious risks associated with sleep apnea, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration doesn’t have any specific regulations in place to address truckers who suffer from this condition. Instead, federal laws and regulations only indicate that a trucker can’t operate a rig if the condition renders him or her unable to do so safely. This creates a sort of honor system that puts innocent motorists in harm’s way.
Find accountability for your injuries
If the state of the trucking industry has you frustrated and upset, then find a way to get even. The best way to do that is to take legal action against the driver who caused your truck accident as well as his or her employer. We know that this can be a daunting task, but it’s not one that you have to face alone. Instead, a skilled legal team like the one at our firm can help you gather the evidence you need to present compelling legal arguments and maximize your chances of obtaining accountability and recovering compensation.