Fatigued truck drivers in Woodbridge accidents pose a significant risk to everyone on the road. Driving while sleep-deprived slows response times and increases the likelihood of serious crashes, often leading to severe injuries and costly medical bills. If you or a loved one was harmed in an accident involving a fatigued truck driver, a truck accident attorney could help you pursue compensation to alleviate financial stress and focus on recovery.
Is Tired Driving Considered Reckless Driving?
Driving while sleep-deprived slows response times and increases the likelihood of an accident. Truck drivers who act negligently become legally responsible for accidents. Negligence occurs when a driver has a duty to act safely, fails to meet that duty, and causes harm to others. Truck operators must rest adequately before driving, as failing to do so can lead to fatigue and crashes. Courts often consider fatigued driving a form of negligence when it results in an accident.
The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C § 11-5 classifies driving after staying awake for 24 hours or more as reckless behavior. Reckless driving occurs when someone willingly disregards the safety of others on the road. In New Jersey, reckless driving is a traffic offense rather than a crime, but individuals may face penalties such as:
- Fines
- Points on their license
- License suspension
- Jail time
Courts may hold tired truck drivers in Woodridge who cause accidents civilly liable if their reckless actions result in injuries. Recklessness carries more severe consequences than negligence, and careless drivers may owe punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Is a Fatigued Truck Driver Liable for an Accident?
In most cases, drivers of larger commercial trucks operate their vehicles as part of their jobs, which can complicate a lawsuit. Employers typically assume liability for negligence when their employees cause accidents while working. However, if the accident involves a fatigued semi-truck driver in Woodridge who is running personal errands or in violation of company policies while on break, the driver may bear responsibility for the resulting injuries. Attorneys help identify the appropriate parties to sue in these situations.
Federal regulations impose rest requirements on commercial drivers. The Department of Transportation’s Hours of Service Regulations state that long-distance drivers must not exceed 11 hours of driving without taking 10 hours off-duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 hours. Drivers who fail to meet these requirements demonstrate negligence. However, these federal standards are stricter than New Jersey’s definition of reckless driving due to fatigue. For instance, a commercial driver who drives for 12 hours without a break shortly after waking up may be negligent but not reckless.
Talk to an Attorney About Your Woodbridge Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Today
Fatigued truck drivers in Woodbridge accidents often cause severe injuries that demand costly medical treatment and lengthy recovery periods away from work. Our lawyers work to hold drowsy drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you need to reduce your financial burdens. Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC begins every case with a free consultation. Contact us today to schedule yours.
