Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Attorneys in Maryland

Being involved in a truck accident caused by a drowsy driver can be a life-altering experience. When a commercial truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel or drives while fatigued, the consequences can be devastating for other drivers and passengers on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, our drowsy driving truck accident attorneys in Maryland are here to help. Contact us at 410-753-4611.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident requires specialized knowledge of both federal regulations and Maryland state laws that apply to commercial vehicles. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers and can navigate these complex legal waters on your behalf while you focus on recovery.

At Zirkin & Schmerling, our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the complex nature of drowsy or distracted driving truck accident cases. We know that truck accident victims often face overwhelming challenges – from serious injuries and mounting medical expenses to lost wages and emotional trauma. Our Maryland truck accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses.

Unlike typical vehicle accidents involving passenger cars, truck accidents frequently involve multiple parties, including the driver, truck company, insurance providers, and potentially others. Our truck accident attorneys have the knowledge and resources to investigate all the parties involved and hold them accountable for their negligence.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.

Signs of Truck Driver Fatigue

Recognizing the signs of driver fatigue is crucial in preventing drowsy driving crashes.

Some common indicators that a truck driver may be too tired to safely operate their vehicle include:

Drifting between lanes or onto the shoulder
Inconsistent driving speed or inability to maintain the speed limit
Delayed reactions to traffic signals or road conditions
Missing exits or turns
Frequent yawning or rubbing of eyes
Nodding off momentarily (microsleeps)

Maryland truck drivers are required to recognize these warning signs and take appropriate action before they become a danger to other drivers on the road. If you notice a commercial truck exhibiting these behaviors, keep your distance and, if possible, report the driver to authorities. Fatigued truck drivers pose a serious risk to other vehicles and can easily lose control of their massive rigs.

Driver fatigue is particularly dangerous because it impairs judgment similarly to alcohol, causing a drowsy driver to make critical errors behind the wheel. Research shows that going without sleep for 18 hours produces impairment equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%.

Causes of Drowsy Driving Among Truck Drivers

Several factors contribute to fatigued driving among commercial drivers:

Demanding Schedules: Truck drivers often face tight delivery deadlines that may encourage them to drive for longer periods than is safe.

Inadequate Rest: Even when following hours of service regulations, some drivers may not get quality sleep during their mandated rest periods.

Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea are common among truck drivers and can significantly impair restfulness.

Night Driving: Operating against natural body clocks by driving overnight can increase fatigue.

Medication Effects: Some prescribed and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness.

Long, Monotonous Routes: Highway driving for extended periods can induce fatigue even in well-rested drivers.

Overloaded Trailers: When trucks are carrying cargo at or above maximum load capacity, the additional strain can contribute to driver exhaustion.

Pressure from Employers: Some trucking companies implicitly or explicitly pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to inadequate rest.

For many professional drivers, the combination of these factors creates dangerous conditions where they may struggle to stay alert behind the wheel. This problem is particularly pronounced in the long-haul sector, where drivers may be on the road for days or weeks at a time, far from home and regular sleeping accommodations.

Negligent Entrustment by Trucking Companies

In many drowsy driver cases, the truck company shares liability for the accident. If a company fails to properly vet drivers, ignores signs of fatigue, encourages violation of hour regulations, or sets unrealistic schedules, it may be held responsible under the legal theory of negligent entrustment.

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, adequately rested, and fit to drive. When a company puts profit ahead of safety by pushing drivers beyond reasonable limits, our Maryland truck accident lawyers will work to hold them accountable for their role in the accident.

Risk Factors Associated With Drowsy Driving

Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as drunk driving or distracted driving.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that fatigue significantly impairs driving ability by:

Slowing reaction time
Decreasing awareness of surroundings
Impairing judgment and decision-making
Increasing aggressive behavior
Reducing ability to maintain proper speed and following distance
Affecting spatial awareness and coordination

For commercial drivers, these impairments are particularly dangerous given the size and weight of their vehicles. A sleep-deprived truck driver operating a vehicle at maximum capacity can cause far more damage than a drowsy driver in a passenger car. When large commercial vehicles collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the occupants of the smaller vehicles often suffer severe consequences.

The risk increases when trucks are carrying hazardous materials or traveling in adverse weather conditions. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially at highway speeds. In such accidents, property damage is often extensive.

Truck Accidents That Drowsy Driving Can Cause

When a fatigued truck driver is on the road, various types of serious accidents may occur:

Rear-End Collisions: Drowsy drivers may fail to notice slowing traffic ahead.
Jackknife Accidents: Sudden braking by a fatigued driver can cause the trailer to skid outward.
Rollover Accidents: Drowsy drivers may overcorrect after drifting, causing the truck to roll.
Wide Turn Accidents: Fatigue can impair spatial awareness, leading to collisions during turns.
Underride Accidents: Other cars may collide with the rear or side of a truck that suddenly slows or stops due to a drowsy driver’s inattention.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups: When large trucks crash on highways, they often involve multiple vehicles.

These truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or deadly injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in the collision.

Spinal Cord Injuries From Drowsy Driving Accidents

Among the most severe consequences of truck accidents are spinal cord injuries.

These can range from mild to extremely severe:

Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even relatively minor impacts can cause painful neck and back injuries.
Herniated Discs: The force of a truck crash can damage the cushioning discs between vertebrae.
Spinal Fractures: Broken vertebrae may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Partial Paralysis: Damage to certain areas of the spine may result in paraplegia.
Complete Spinal Cord Injury: The most severe injuries can cause quadriplegia and permanent disability.

Beyond spinal injuries, victims may also suffer traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma. Our accident attorneys understand the life-changing impact of these injuries and fight for compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.

Hours of Service Rules That Attempt To Reduce Drowsy Driving

To combat the dangers of fatigued driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforces hours of service regulations for commercial truck drivers.

These rules include:

11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour Work Day Limit: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14^th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
Rest Break Requirements: Drivers must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for 8 consecutive hours.

Unfortunately, economic pressures sometimes lead truck drivers or companies to violate these consecutive hours regulations. When investigating a truck accident, our Maryland truck accident lawyers thoroughly examine logbooks, electronic logging devices, and other records to determine if hours of service violations contributed to the crash.

Evidence Used To Prove Liability in a Drowsy Driving Truck Accident

Building a strong personal injury case requires thorough investigation and evidence collection. Our truck accident attorneys gather:

Truck driver’s logbooks and electronic logging device data
Black box data from the truck
Cell phone records
Surveillance footage from the accident scene
Witness statements
Police reports
Drug and alcohol testing results
Truck driver’s medical history and sleep disorder screenings
Trucking company records
Expert witness testimony

We work quickly to preserve this evidence before it disappears. In truck accident cases, it’s crucial to have an accident lawyer involved as soon as possible after the crash to ensure all relevant evidence is secured.

Recoverable Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Damages

Victims of drowsy driving truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of fatal injuries, wrongful death damages

When pursuing a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident, it’s crucial to account for all potential damages. Many victims underestimate the long-term costs associated with their injuries and accept settlements that don’t adequately cover their needs.

Insurance companies representing truck companies often attempt to minimize payouts through various tactics, including quick settlement offers. Our goal is to secure maximum compensation for our clients, accounting for both immediate losses and long-term consequences of the accident. We understand that these catastrophic accidents often require ongoing care, and we fight to ensure your settlement reflects these future needs.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s always best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Trusted Drowsy Driving Truck Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver, don’t face the aftermath alone. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Zirkin & Schmerling have a proven track record of helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.

We understand that the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and pressure from insurance companies to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t fully address your needs. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance while aggressively pursuing your legal rights to fair compensation.

Our Meticulous Approach

Our approach to such accidents is comprehensive and meticulous. We investigate every aspect of the crash, consult with industry experts, and build a compelling case designed to maximize your recovery. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling claims against major trucking companies and their insurers.

Contact Zirkin & Schmerling today at 410-753-4611 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward. Our firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss your situation—there’s no fee unless we win your case.

When drowsy driving causes a truck crash, you need advocates who understand the complexities of these cases and have the experience to prove fault. Let our team help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.