Driver Related Trucking Accidents in Delaware
Delaware Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys
Each year in Delaware there are numerous trucking accidents. While there are various causes of tractor trailer accidents many of them are caused by the truck driver’s driving schedule. One of the reasons for tractor trailer accidents include a driver racing against time. Ensuring that cargo arrives at it’s destination on time, if not early, directly impacts a truck driver’s income. This added pressure presents two very hazardous and dangerous conditions to other cars sharing the road with tractor trailers: driver fatigue and speeding.
If you or someone you know has been hurt or injured in a Delaware tractor trailer accident, please contact The Freibott Law Firm at 302-633-9000. You can also email Mr. Freibott here.
Truck Driver Fatigue
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) driver fatigue is responsible for approximately 1/3 of all trucking accidents ending in a fatality. Driver fatigue is typically defined as the driver feeling sleepy and/or exhausted while driving a commercial vehicle. Drivers work extremely long hours, have deadlines to meet and must adhere to very pressurized schedules. All of these factors combine to explain why driver fatigue contributes heavily to trucking and commercial vehicle accidents. Driver fatigue and exhaustion may also impair the judgment and reaction time of a truck driver. This will further compound the dangers of driving while fatigued.
Common Symptoms of Driver Fatigue May Include:
- Excessive Yawning
- Irritability
- Inability to Concentrate
- Swerving/Weaving
- Tired Eyes
- Delayed Reaction Time
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Truck Driver Speeding
- Needing to Take Stimulants to Stay Awake
Driver Speeding
Approximately 1/4 of trucking accidents involve a driver with at least one speeding conviction or minor traffic violation. Speeding is very common amongst truckers who are trying to adhere to the pressures and deadlines associated with delivering cargo on time. When speeding, momentum, inertia and the physics involved in driving a truck play significant roles in tractor trailer accidents. The speed at which a truck was traveling is determined during the accident’s investigation. Aspects of the investigation such as the driver’s log book, the truck’s black box and incorporating an expert witness can help determine if an accident was caused by excessive speed.
Trucking Accidents Involving Intoxication
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), both of which are also referred to as drunk driving, are very common traffic offenses in today’s society. When drunk driving is combined with operating a commercial vehicle, the truck turns into a lethal weapon. The size and contents of the vehicle exponentially increase the dangers of driving drunk on the road.
A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Traffic Safety revealed:
- 15% of truck drivers had marijuana in their systems
- 12% of truck drivers had non-prescription stimulants in their systems
- 5% of truck drivers had prescription stimulants in their system
- 2% of truckers had cocaine in their systems
- 1% of tractor trailer drivers had alcohol in their systems
Laws and industry regulations regarding truckers operating their rig while intoxicated are very strict. For instance, if a commercial vehicle operator is arrested for DUI, they may be unable to drive any commercial vehicle for a period of 12 months after they are convicted. If the transporting of hazardous materials was involved, they will be unable to operate a commercial vehicle of any kind for 36 months. If they are convicted of a subsequent offense DUI, their Commercial Driver’s License is revoked for life.
Contact A Delaware Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
If you, a loved one, or family member have been injured in a Delaware trucking accident due to driver negligence, please call The Freibott Law Firm. Mr. Freibott can be reached at 302-633-9000. Please feel free to email Mr. Freibott here. With more than 20 years of experience handling truck accidents in Delaware, Mr. Freibott will do his best to obtain the compensation and benefits to which you deserve.
The Freibott Law Firm handles trucking accidents and tractor trailer accidents all over Delaware including: Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, Bear, Glasgow, Newark, Christiana, Middletown, Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Georgetown, Millsboro, Seaford, and the Delaware beaches.
