Semi Truck Accident Liability When Drivers Falls Asleep At The Wheel

It might be hard to imagine the level of damage and harm caused when something as massive as a semi-truck plows into a passenger car or SUV at full speed. But that is what often happens when a semi-truck driver falls asleep at the wheel. They are not watching traffic, monitoring their speed, or trying to protect the safety of others. The results of these horrific accidents can be gruesome as the semi-truck will run over or tear through the passenger vehicle like it is made of paper. Those who are in a passenger vehicle that is hit by a semi-truck when the driver falls asleep are likely to suffer severe trauma and life-threatening injuries that can include:

• Back, neck, and spinal cord damage
• Partial or complete amputations
• Compound fractures
• Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
• Damage to internal organs and internal bleeding
• Fractured, broken, or shattered bones
• Joint dislocations and the destruction of the soft connective tissue of the joints
• Soft tissue and nerve tissue destruction
• Head injuries that can include a skull fracture, severe concussion, brain bleed, or other traumatic brain injuries
• Compression and crushing injuries
• Harm to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and delicate facial skin
• Severe burns from fire or electrical burns and shocks

The driver of a vehicle has a legal obligation to only operate the vehicle when they are fully capable of controlling it. That prevents anyone from driving and posing a safety risk to others when they are under the influence of a substance like drugs or alcohol, are impaired because of an illness, or are too tired to focus and remain alert and in control of the vehicle. In the case of professional semi drivers, they must also remain compliant with California hours of service laws, which are documented in their driver’s logbook.

These rules require the driver never to exceed 12 hours of driving after being off duty for 10 hours or more. Additionally, they are only permitted to work a total of 80 hours over an eight-day period. If the driver exceeds these, they are breaking the law and are considered negligent in their actions. While this time limit might not be a factor, any semi truck driver who is drowsy and too tired to focus on the safe operation of the truck must get off the road to prevent an accident. When they fail to comply with this requirement, they are liable for the accident they cause in nearly all cases.

It is vital you understand that there are no predetermined compensation amounts awarded for any personal injury lawsuits. And while there is a mathematical average for the value of these cases, it will have no impact on your case or a case pursued by a loved one hurt in a semi truck accident when a driver falls asleep at the wheel. Each personal injury lawsuit is carefully and independently evaluated, and the value of the compensation is based on the actual losses and expenses incurred by the victim. Working with your DTLA Law Group semi truck accident injury lawyer, you will compile all allowable expenses to be used in this valuation calculation. The items that are most often used in the process include but are not always strictly limited to:

• The replacement cost of any personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the semi truck accident
• The cost of all legal services related to preparing, filing, and litigating the semi-truck accident injury lawsuit
• All current and future medical cast related to the care and treatment of the injuries caused by the semi-truck incident and any counseling or therapy needed to address the trauma and stress of the truck accident and the injuries it caused
• The victims lost income if the harm sustained in the semi-truck accident prevented them from working at their regular jobs until they were fully healed and cleared by their medical care providers to return to the duties of that work

As the victim of personal injuries caused by a semi-truck accident when the driver fell asleep at the wheel, you have two years from the date of the incident to file the case with the court. This time limit is strictly enforced, and once it has expired, you will no longer have the right to pursue legal action for the losses and harm caused by that particular incident. In addition, it is critical you know that there are minimal exceptions that would provide the injury victim added time to take legal action once the original time limit has passed. Please contact DTLA Law Group today to discuss the time remaining to pursue legal action regarding this matter.

If you were the victim of a semi truck accident where the truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, you are sure to face many financial hardships and challenges. The legal professionals at DTLA Law Group understand the issues you are dealing with and pledge never to add to the stress and expenses you face. Our client-friendly payment policy has eliminated all upfront payments to ensure you can get the professional legal services you need to secure the compensation that is owed to you. Our firm only gets paid after the case is completed, and you have the compensation that includes funds to cover your legal fees and expenses.

Finally, if your DTLA Law Group semi truck accident injury lawyer fails to win your case and get you the financial compensation you need, you owe the firm nothing for the time and expenses covered on your behalf while preparing the lawsuit. Please make time at your earliest convenience to contact the DTLA Law Group office staff to learn more and book your free consultation with a dedicated and caring semi truck accident injury lawyer to explore your options.

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