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New Hampshire Truck Accident Lawyer

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According to statistics, New Hampshire has a relatively low truck-related accident death rate compared to many of the other states, with 63 deaths relating to truck accidents between 1996-2000. However, these accidents do still occur, and every year they result in serious injuries and sometimes death to those who are involved. If you have been unfortunate enough to suffer injury as the result of a truck accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.

There are various reasons why truck accidents occur, but the most significant cause for truck accidents is truck driver fatigue, which accounts for as many as 35-40% of all truck accidents. This statistic is so large because truck drivers work long hours, face strenuous deadlines, and have to abide by strict, rigorous schedules. Truck driver fatigue can seriously impair the judgment of an individual who is behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.

Fatigue refers to lack of sleep, extreme tiredness, or exhaustion. Fatigue does not refer to just one thing, but can be a combination of the above. Not getting the required amount of sleep, loading and unloading heavy loads, putting in overtime at work, etc., can all lead to truck driver fatigue. Driver fatigue can also impair an individuals ability to gauge their own level of fatigue.

When a truck driver is fatigued, it is very easy for them to nod off or fall asleep at the wheel of their truck. Trucks are large heavy machines, and when they are going 70 miles an hour without the control of a driver, serious injuries or death can occur.

Due to the rising number of fatigue-related truck accidents, the federal government has, after almost 60 years, changed the rules and duty hours for truck drivers. According to the new federal laws, no truck driver is legally permitted to drive more than 11 consecutive hours without taking a 10-hour break in between two driving shifts. A truck driver can clock a maximum of 14 hours at work, only 11 of which can actually be spent on the road.

In spite of these rules, which have been established to reduce truck driver fatigue and consequently truck accidents, not all truck drivers and trucking companies actually follow these rules. Although truck drivers are required to maintain a log book of their driving hours, such log books can easily be falsified, and are thus not a real indicator of the number of hours a truck driver spends on the job.

A New Hampshire truck accident lawyer is an expert within the area of truck accident litigation and wrongful death through a truck-related accident. Therefore, you should seek the assistance of a New Hampshire truck accident lawyer in the event that you have been injured in such an accident or that you have lost a loved one as a result of fatal injuries from a truck-related accident in New Hampshire.

By going through an experienced New Hampshire truck accident lawyer, you can quickly ascertain your eligibility to make a claim for your injuries or damages. A New Hampshire truck accident lawyer that specializes on this field will have the know-how and skill to get you the best settlement possible for your injuries, and can use their knowledge of local statutes and trucking laws to ensure that you place a claim for everything to which you are entitled.

Statutes relating to litigation and trucking regulations can vary from one state to another, which is why it is important to seek the help of a New Hampshire truck accident attorney as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that you do not miss the deadlines as defined by the statutes of limitations, and will also ensure that you are entitled to make a claim before you take any action.