Every motorist knows that the potential for an accident is always present. To prevent them, you drive safely and focus on the task at hand. Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided and too many of them occur due to negligence or oversight by a trucking company. And due to the sheer size of the vehicles involved, these accidents can cause horrific injuries or death.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical disorder which affects the sleep of one who suffers from it. Throughout a night, their breathing can literally stop for as much as 10 seconds. Depending upon the severity of the condition, the pauses can occur as many as 400 times during the night.
It is estimated that approximately 28% of commercial truck drivers are afflicted with sleep apnea. When it goes undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea prevents these drivers from attaining a full night’s sleep, putting them on the road with insufficient rest. This is a recipe for disaster. Commercial shipping companies are in the business of making money and may require their drivers to work long hours, beyond which the driver can safely handle.
When the lack of sleep catches up with a commercial driver, it is often at the expense of the motorists around them. If you’ve been the victim of such an accident, a personal injury lawsuit is a powerful tool at your disposal. It will require a thorough investigation of the accident, commercial driver and shipping company’s records, but it may be your best option to hold them accountable and receive the compensation to which you are entitled.