Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents in Michigan – All You Need To Know

When it comes to vehicular accidents, few are more aggressive, comprehensive, and tragic than truck accidents. The sheer size and power of a commercial truck can cause untold devastation if it’s involved in an accident on a major highway or a busy road. You may be lucky to survive it at all. One of the common causes of truck accidents is truck driver fatigue. Truck drivers work long hours and get tired. Knowing the frequency of truck driver fatigue accidents in Michigan is important.

If you are ever the victim of a truck accident, it’s understandable to want to get to the bottom of the accident, especially if you received significant injuries from it. Learning that the driver of the truck was fatigued can help you better understand why the accident happened. At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you investigate the cause of your accident and ensure that you are properly compensated for it. We understand the laws of Michigan’s roads and can utilize that knowledge to help you achieve optimal outcomes.

Truck Driver Fatigue in Michigan

According to information gathered by the Michigan State Police in 2023, there were over 15,000 truck accidents in the state of Michigan that year. Of those accidents, there were 103 fatalities. There were also over 15,000 instances of distracted driving that year, which includes fatigued driving. Of those accidents, there were 59 fatalities. This type of accident is not uncommon in Michigan.

One of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel is fall asleep. If you start to feel drowsy, you should immediately pull over to the shoulder or into a parking lot. According to the Michigan State Police, drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes every year in the United States. There are many different ways to try and prevent truck driver fatigue, such as:

• Adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. These standards are put in place to help ensure truck drivers are not on the road more than is recommended, limiting the chances of fatigue and accidents.
• Schedule breaks and rest. Take breaks every 2-3 hours to stretch, walk around, or maybe even catch a quick 15-minute nap. Driving a commercial truck is not easy. You have to stay alert to all the other vehicles and potential mishaps on the road. Michigan highways have convenient rest areas where you can stop and take a gander at the beautiful scenery, while refreshing yourself for your next driving segment.
• Maintain healthy sleep and nutrition habits. Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep before your shifts and avoid heavy meals late in the day to keep yourself alert. Try not to become too dependent on caffeine or other products to keep you awake.

Statute of Limitations

Regardless of what caused the truck accident to happen, if you are a driver who was injured because of a truck driver’s fatigue, you should seriously consider pursuing legal action against the driver and maybe even the trucking company, depending on the situation. If you do, make sure your case falls under the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which include truck accident cases.

Generally, you will be given three years to put a strong case together. If you can’t put together a case within three years, you are going to have to accept that your case will not move forward. It can take a great deal of time to build a strong truck accident case, so you should get started with a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

FAQs

How Many Accidents Are Caused by Fatigue?

It is difficult to know exactly how many truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers. Many fatigued drivers do things that also cause accidents, such as driving distracted and not following the basic rules of the road. It is always important for all drivers to pay full attention to what is happening on the road to help avoid getting into a serious accident with a truck.

What Is the DOT Law for Fatigue?

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) law regarding driver fatigue is very clear. The law limits the amount of time a commercial truck driver can be on duty. Rest periods are required to ensure nobody becomes too tired to drive and causes an accident. This law is generally enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of this law can lead to fines, suspensions, and legal action, depending on the offense.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Case?

Although you are not required by law to hire a lawyer for a truck accident case in Michigan, it is in your interest to do so. You may not be prepared to take on a trucking company in a courtroom, especially if you have no legal background yourself. The company may not be quick to admit liability, and a good lawyer can help you put together a strong case that holds the right person or entity accountable.

Why Is Driving Fatigued Dangerous?

Driving any vehicle while fatigued is dangerous, but it’s especially true for truck drivers. When you are driving fatigued, your response time is significantly slower. You are not totally in control of your actions. You may even be totally asleep at times. In many cases, driving fatigued may even be more dangerous than driving drunk. It is vital that you pull over and try to rest instead of carrying on.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case

Every day, Michigan highways are home to a multitude of trucks doing the commerce business of our great state. Unfortunately, truck accidents do happen, and they can have disastrous results. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a fatigued truck driver and is dealing with serious injuries, let us help.

We have assisted many Michiganders in situations similar to yours. At Wigod & Falzon, we can help you put a strong case together. Contact us to speak to someone today about what we can do for you.