Truck Accidents
3 FAQs About Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue
Operating a commercial truck for hours at a stretch is demanding enough to leave even a healthy driver fatigued — but that doesn't excuse a trucker whose drowsiness causes a crash. If fatigue played a role in the accident that hurt you, here are answers to a few common questions.
1. How Can I Prove Drowsy Driving Caused the Wreck?
The strongest evidence varies case to case, but often includes some combination of:
- Black box data
- Eyewitness testimony
- The official police report
- Driving logs
- GPS records
- Time-stamped bills of lading
- Dash cam footage
- Surveillance recordings
- Toll booth receipts
- Cell phone records
2. What Damages Can I Recover?
New York law allows truck accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages, which may include past and anticipated medical bills, home care, property damage, lost wages and future earning capacity, home or vehicle modifications, and pain and suffering. Depending on the severity of the injury, a spouse may also be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
3. Is the Trucker Always the One Held Liable?
Not necessarily. If the driver is an independent contractor, liability may rest with them directly. If they're an employee, the motor carrier that hired them can often be held responsible for the crash as well.
Hurt in a Truck Accident?
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