Truck Driver Sentenced for Falling Asleep while Driving, Killing Another Driver

WFMJ reported on April 10, 2014, that a North Carolina truck driver was sentenced for killing another driver when he fell asleep at the wheel of his truck. The family of the man who was killed agreed that jail time was justified. They were grief stricken at the loss of a beloved husband and father, and they stated that all the defendant truck driver had to do was stop at a rest area nearby.

The family of the victim will likely bring a wrongful death claim against the man who caused the accident. Ideally, the sleeping driver had a lot of insurance coverage. Otherwise, a plaintiff’s lawyer will try to collect through the insurance carrier for the victim, provided the victim had uninsured or underinsurance coverage.

Sleep deprivation is a major problem for truck drivers. Truck drivers often work long hours, and unfortunately, they are often pushed by their employers to deliver the goods in their truck by a certain time. But performance of a contract and earning a living always has to be done with safety of others and the driver him or herself in mind. The family of the victim had the right to be upset. That the man was sentenced only confirms the interest of the state of North Carolina in keeping the highways safe from drivers who sleep at the wheel. A personal injury lawyer will be able to use the conviction for driving while asleep to his or her advantage in proving liability and exploring whether the truck owner (if someone other than the driver) was at fault.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today for Assistance

Any serious accident involving a truck can be difficult, but when the accident was wholly preventable, it can make it even more difficult for the victim and his or her loved ones. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a negligent truck driver, the legal team at Joe Miller Law, believes that the responsible party should be held accountable for the effects of their wrongdoing. Joe Miller has more than 25 years of experience helping victims just like you fight for compensation, so contact him today at (888) 694-1671 to secure the experienced representation you need.