Trucking is an incredibly demanding profession both physically and mentally. Motor carriers place their drivers under tight deadlines that don't always take into account foul weather, congestion, or other potential hurdles. As such, it’s not uncommon for truckers to push themselves to the point of exhaustion—or beyond. If you were hurt in a large truck crash and you think drowsy driving was to blame, here's how your personal injury attorney will attempt to prove it. 

Evidence From the Motor Carrier 

Information from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR) will confirm whether the driver violated the hours of service regulations. Also known as black boxes, EDRs record more than a dozen variables on every drive, including the vehicle’s speed, throttle application, and brake use.

Data from the electronic logging device’s record of duty status—or more simply, the driver’s logs—could also be valuable when attempting to prove the trucker was fatigued at the time of the crash. Such logs will let you know how long the driver remained on the road before stopping to rest and how much time he or she took off between shifts. 

Because motor carriers are only obligated to retain these records for six months, though, you’ll have to act fast in the wake of the wreck in order to obtain them. 

Evidence From Other Sources 

Depending on the circumstances, evidence from other sources may also help prove a trucker was drowsy. For example, toll receipts from multiple checkpoints will help you to determine just how long the trucker stayed on the road without stopping to rest.

Likewise, time-stamped receipts from gas stations, weigh stations, and restaurants can indicate how many miles the trucker drove in a single day by establishing the vehicle’s route. If it turns out the trucker traveled for an unreasonable number of miles without stopping to rest, your personal injury attorney will use such evidence to contribute to the strength of your drowsy driving claim. 

If you were seriously hurt because a trucker fell asleep behind the wheel, turn to Jerry F. Lee Attorney at Law. Located in Cleveland, GA, this firm is backed by nearly 40 years of experience in the legal field. A compassionate personal injury attorney, Jerry F. Lee is well-versed in a variety of areas, including criminal defense, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and family law. To request a consultation with this personal injury attorney and start building your case, visit their website or call (706) 219-2460.