Truck driver regulations are put in place to make sure that drivers are not on the road for too many hours. Some drivers who are used to only sleeping a small number of hours and who feel like they are never tired may still be dangerous on the road because working for an excessive number of hours can lead to stress and can increase the odds of a truck driver being involved in an accident. 

The Danger of Stress

Stress is something that a commercial truck driver might not even realize has happened until it is too late. For many drivers, the feeling of being stressed simply feels normal. However, the symptoms of stress can have an impact on the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle. 

Drivers can sometimes be placed under greater stress than other workers because they must spend a lot of time in traffic. Commercial truck drivers have to worry about the foolish actions of other drivers and have to remain focused constantly on not making any mistakes.

When Stress Causes an Accident

If a driver is stressed and crashes into your vehicle, this can cause substantial damage to your car and may also cause serious injuries. This is because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Therefore, it is especially important to speak with a truck accident attorney to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

With a thorough investigation, you will be able to determine if the driver was operating the truck for a longer period of time than what is allowed by the state. For example, you might be able to obtain the driver's travel logs. If the driving logs show that the driver has been on the road for longer than legally allowed or if there is evidence that the driving logs have been fabricated, you may be able to use this as evidence that the truck driver is liable for your injuries.

Liability for an Accident

Even if the truck driver is not driving an excessive number of hours, they may still be liable for your accident if the driver broke the law. For example, if the driver was driving too close to you and you were forced to stop, you may be able to use this as evidence that the driver was negligent and that you deserve compensation for your injuries and other expenses.

Talk to an attorney to learn more.