Truck Accident Lawyer Pittsburgh

Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries and complex legal battles due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pittsburgh, Porta-Clark & Ward can help. Our skilled truck accident lawyers understand the challenges of dealing with trucking companies and insurance providers. Contact us at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Dangers of Fatigued Truck Drivers and How It Affects Your Claim

Drowsy driving is dangerous in any situation, but when the driver of an 80,000-pound truck is too tired to react properly, the consequences can be devastating. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents, putting other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at serious risk.

If you were injured in a truck accident in Pittsburgh and suspect that the truck driver was fatigued, it could affect your personal injury claim. Understanding how driver fatigue contributes to crashes and how to prove it played a role in your accident can help you build a strong case.

Why Truck Driver Fatigue Is So Common

Long hours on the road, tight delivery schedules, and pressure from trucking companies all contribute to driver fatigue. While federal regulations limit the number of hours truckers can drive in a day, these rules are not always followed. Some drivers push past their limits to meet deadlines, leading to dangerous levels of exhaustion.

Lack of rest affects a driver’s ability to stay alert, react quickly, and make safe decisions. Studies have shown that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. A trucker who has been on the road too long may struggle to keep their eyes open, drift between lanes, or fail to notice slowed traffic ahead.

How Fatigue Increases the Risk of Accidents

Fatigue affects a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time. When truck drivers are too tired, they are more likely to:

• Miss traffic signals and road signs – A tired driver may not notice a stop sign, red light, or changing speed limit.
• React slowly to sudden changes – If a car in front of them brakes unexpectedly, a fatigued truck driver may not hit the brakes in time to avoid a collision.
• Drift out of their lane – Tired drivers may struggle to keep their truck centered, increasing the risk of a sideswipe or head-on crash.
• Fall asleep behind the wheel – Even a few seconds of nodding off can be enough to cause a major accident.

When a truck driver is too tired to drive safely, it puts everyone else on the road in danger.

Signs That a Fatigued Truck Driver May Have Caused the Crash

If you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck, certain details may indicate that the driver was drowsy at the time of the crash. Some warning signs include:

• The truck drifted into another lane before impact.
• The driver failed to brake or slow down before the collision.
• The crash happened late at night or early in the morning when fatigue is more common.
• The driver admitted to feeling tired or being on the road for a long time.

Fatigue is not always easy to prove, but gathering the right evidence can help support your claim.

How to Prove That Truck Driver Fatigue Contributed to the Accident

Trucking companies and their insurance providers will often try to downplay fatigue as a factor in an accident. However, there are several ways to gather evidence that a driver was too tired to be behind the wheel.

Reviewing the Driver’s Hours of Service Logs

Truck drivers are required to keep records of how long they have been on duty. Federal rules limit them to:

• No more than 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No more than 14 total hours of work in a day, including driving and non-driving tasks
• A mandatory 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours

If the trucker exceeded these limits, it could indicate they were too fatigued to drive safely.

Checking Electronic Logging Devices

Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) that track driving hours. These records can show whether the driver followed rest requirements or was on the road longer than allowed.

Examining GPS and Cell Phone Data

A truck’s GPS system can provide information about how long the vehicle had been moving before the crash. If the truck was in motion for an extended period without a break, it may suggest that the driver was fatigued.

Cell phone records can also be useful. If a driver was making calls or sending messages during long stretches of driving, it could further support claims of excessive hours on the road.

Gathering Eyewitness Statements

Other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians who witnessed the crash may have seen signs of fatigue, such as the truck drifting between lanes or failing to stop in time. Their statements can help confirm that drowsiness played a role in the accident.

Using Accident Reconstruction Experts

Experts can analyze crash data, skid marks, and vehicle positions to determine whether fatigue may have contributed to the accident. If the truck driver failed to brake before impact, it could indicate that they were asleep or too slow to react.

How Fatigue Affects Your Claim

If truck driver fatigue played a role in your accident, it could strengthen your claim for compensation. In Pennsylvania, accident victims can seek damages for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical expenses if long-term care is needed

Trucking companies and their insurers will likely try to deny responsibility or shift blame. They may argue that another factor caused the crash or claim that your injuries are not as serious as you say. Having strong evidence of fatigue can make it harder for them to deny liability.

Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

In some cases, the trucking company may also be responsible for the accident. If the company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines or encouraged them to skip rest breaks, they could be held liable for the crash.

Trucking companies are required to follow federal safety regulations and ensure their drivers are well-rested. If they fail to do so, they may be responsible for injuries caused by fatigued driving.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you suspect that fatigue played a role in your accident, taking the right steps after the crash can help protect your claim:

• Call the police and request an official accident report.
• Take photos of the scene, including the truck, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.
• Seek medical attention, even if you do not feel hurt right away.
• Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster until you have legal guidance.

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best way to pursue compensation.

A Truck Accident Attorney Who Understands Your Case

Truck accident claims can be complex, but you don’t have to take on the trucking companies alone. Porta-Clark & Ward have the knowledge and experience to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need. Contact our trusted truck accident attorneys at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation in Pittsburgh today.