Sleep apnea and commercial trucks: a dangerous combination

We all know that traffic accidents can happen virtually anytime. We do what we can to avoid them, by paying attention and driving safely, but there’s not much you can do about other drivers. Commercial trucks can be particularly dangerous due to their size and it may not be inattention that causes the accident.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to sleep. Throughout any given night, someone afflicted with sleep apnea may have their sleep interrupted as many as 400 times. This occurs because their breathing pauses uncontrollably, for as much as 10 seconds at a time.

It’s estimated that nearly a third of commercial truck drivers may suffer from sleep apnea – many of whom may be undiagnosed and untreated. If it’s not properly treated, the result is insufficient sleep and a lack of quality sleep. This then leads to drowsy driving, poor attention at the wheel and slower reaction times.

There’s more to it than the driver

When a commercial truck driver is negligent and injures you in an accident, it’s easy to lay the blame squarely on their shoulders. After all, if they suffer from sleep apnea, it is their responsibility to ensure they are safe to drive before they get behind the wheel. But the company they work for can also play a role, requiring the driver to work long hours and failing to give them sufficient time to rest.

In order to hold those responsible accountable for your injuries, a personal injury lawsuit may be your best option. But it will require the assistance of an attorney who is experienced in commercial trucking accidents to investigate the accident – discovering the underlying cause and who holds the blame for your suffering.