Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents In Baltimore: The Risks And How To Protect Your Rights In An Injury Claim
Most drivers know the risks of drinking and driving, but what about driving while too tired to stay alert? Drowsy driving is an often-overlooked hazard that causes potentially fatal crashes across Maryland. Truck drivers are particularly susceptible.
Drowsy driving truck accidents are common on I-95, I-85, and other major highways in our area. Our experienced Maryland truck accident lawyers help injured clients in these cases and explain the risks being fatigued poses and how to protect your rights in a drowsy driving injury claim.
How Drowsy Driving Increases Baltimore Truck Accident Risks
Drowsy driving is a major problem on roads throughout Maryland and a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes. Missing even a few hours of sleep impacts your driving abilities and poses significant risks to you and others on the road.
The Maryland Highway Safety Office explains that drowsy driving is dangerous because it impairs:
- Reaction times, leading to responses to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions;
- Judgment, leading to poor decision-making, like tailgating or drifting out of lanes;
- Focus, making it more difficult to concentrate on the road;
- Coordination, resulting in reduced ability to steer or brake effectively;
- Alertness, making drivers more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, even for a few seconds.
Truckers are particularly susceptible to drowsy driving. Demanding schedules, long hours on the road, and a lack of breaks increase the risks of truck accidents on busy highways and interstates throughout Baltimore, which can have devastating impacts on other motorists.
How To Protect Your Rights After A Drowsy Driving Truck Accident In Baltimore
The Truck Safety Coalition, based in Washington, DC, warns that drowsy driving is a common problem in the trucking industry and can result in potentially fatal truck accidents in Maryland. If you or someone you love is involved in a Baltimore truck crash and you suspect drowsy driving is responsible, the following steps can help in protecting yourself and your rights in a claim:
- Notify police immediately, get contact and insurance information for all drivers, and avoid speculating about how the accident happened or admitting any liability at the scene.
- Get contact information for any witnesses and take photos or videos documenting the crash site, the damage to all vehicles, and your injuries.
- Get medical care, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and keep copies of all treatment records and expenses.
- Avoid speaking to insurers without getting legal help first.
Evidence we can gather to prove the trucker was overly fatigued at the time includes trucking company records, GPS or satellite tracking, and black box data.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Drowsy driving truck accidents in Baltimore can cause devastating injuries. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we gather the evidence needed to hold truckers and the companies they work for accountable.
Get the trusted, experienced legal representation you need to protect your rights in a Maryland injury claim. Call our office or contact us online today and request a consultation with our Baltimore truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/drowsy-driving/
trucksafety.org/hours-service-fatigue/
