As everyone knows, being involved in an accident with a commercial truck can be devastating. Most trucks are massive in size, and the sheer force of a collision can be enough to result in death or serious injury. Contact the fatal truck accident lawyers with Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. to see how you can be compensated for your losses. Fatal truck accidents are devastating, and going after those responsible is the least we can do to aid in the recovery process.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), 28% of commercial truck drivers have some form of sleep apnea. A common symptom of this condition is drowsiness during the day. This means that truck drivers with untreated sleep apnea pose a constant risk to anyone on the roads. While the commercial trucking industry has known about the problem for years, very little has been done to address it. Although a recommendation has been made for mandatory sleep apnea screenings, no action has been taken.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Almost everyone has heard of sleep apnea, but very few people know what characterizes it. Generally speaking, sleep apnea is a condition that involves frequent breathing interruptions during sleep. These interruptions can last for up to 10 seconds and can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. Common symptoms of this condition include, but are not limited to:
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Concentration problems
- Daytime drowsiness
With sleep apnea, the pauses in breathing lead to a poor quality of sleep. The person may slip in and out of the rapid eye movement (REM) stage and can even be woken up throughout the night. All of these factors contribute to the daytime impacts of this condition, which can result in terrible accidents.
Impact on Driving
When left untreated, the pauses in breathing associated with sleep apnea can ruin a person’s nightly resting period. If a body is unable to make much needed nightly repairs, the impact is manifested during the day. Those with sleep apnea have difficulty staying awake, focusing their eyes, and reacting quickly. They can also be confused easily or forget what it is they’re doing. These symptoms can have devastating effects, especially when they are present in a person who drives for a living.
If someone who drives a truck for a living is afflicted with sleep apnea, they have a very high chance of causing a motor accident. A study conducted by the Department of Transportation found that individuals with sleep apnea are far more likely to be involved in a car accident caused by fatigue.
How a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. Can Help You
Because of the sheer size and power of commercialized trucks, accidents involving these vehicles commonly result in death. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a fatal truck accident, call the Alabama fatal truck accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. With over 65 years of collective experience, our fatal truck accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that you are compensated for your losses. Do not let your life be destroyed because of someone else’s negligence.
The truck injury attorneys at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. are experienced in taking cases involving serious injury to trial. We have won more than $200 million in settlements and jury verdicts. To find out more about how we can best represent you, learn how our Montgomery truck accident lawyers, Mobile truck accident lawyers, Huntsville truck accident lawyers, and Birmingham truck accident lawyers can help you.
