Trucker fatigue rears its ugly head, again

Trucking safety is a top priority when it comes to the issue of making our roadways safer. A recent truck accident in New Jersey involving a famous comedian highlights this point well.

The truck accident, which occurred on the New Jersey Turnpike on Sunday, left comedian Tracy Morgan and others with serious injuries, and one dead. According to an investigation conducted after the accident, the crash occurred because the trucker had fallen asleep at the wheel.
Truck driver fatigue is a serious problem in the trucking industry, and federal regulators have addressed the issue, in part, by passing stricter hours-of-service regulations. These regulations, as some readers know, govern how long a trucker’s work day can be, how frequently breaks must be taken, and other related issues.

Truck drivers and their companies are supposed to ensure that they record their compliance with federal regulations, but this doesn’t always happen. When it doesn’t, other motorists are put at risk.

In this case, the trucker has been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto. These charges, although appropriate, do nothing to directly compensate the accident victims. Sources didn’t mention whether any of the victims would be filing civil suits in connection with the accident, but it is entirely possible.

Those who have been harmed in a truck accident and who have questions about how to obtain compensation should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Doing so ensures that their interests will be well represented throughout the litigation process.

Source: CNN, “Police: Driver charged in Tracy Morgan crash was awake 24 hours,” Kevin Conolon & Doug Ganley, June 9, 2014.