Truck drivers are limited to the number of hours they can spend behind the wheel by federal hours of service laws. These laws prohibit drivers from exceeding:
- 11 or more hours in a consecutive 14-hour period following 10 consecutive off-duty hours
- More than 14 hours of driving in a 24-hour period
- Logging more than 60 hours in a seven-day consecutive period
- Logging more than 70 hours in an eight-day consecutive period
The reasoning behind these regulations is straightforward — to keep tired or fatigued drivers off the road. With deregulation, however, competition has continually increased, forcing even conscientious companies to the test against competitors willing to cut corners to obtain and keep business. Drivers are often paid by mileage, so they have the incentive to continue driving even while feeling tired.
This kind of negligent vehicle operation is unquestionably dangerous. When people are injured as a result of driver fatigue, it is important that they are adequately compensated and that accountability is boasted. Unfortunately, trucking insurance adjusters frequently try to limit payments.
If you or someone you loved was injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to partner with highly skilled and experienced truck driver fatigue accident lawyers who will aggressively advocate for you and your best interests and have the knowledge and skill to take on the powerful truck accident insurance companies.
Iowa Truck Driver Fatigue Negligence Lawyers
Our firm has obtained millions for injured clients in more than three decades of work. We are prepared to interview witnesses and drivers, scrutinize evidence, review data and black box information, depose all necessary persons and comprehensively build your case to maximize compensation.
We encourage you to get in touch at the earliest opportunity so you can understand your rights and to what you may be entitled.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Davenport truck driver fatigue accident attorney, please contact our Davenport, Iowa, office via email or at 563-441-1616.