Drowsy Driving Truck Accidents Lawyers in Garden City, NY 

What Happens When a Drowsy Truck Driver Is Behind the Wheel? 

It’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it? A truck driver, exhausted and struggling to keep their eyes open, barreling down the road at 70 miles an hour. Drowsy driving truck accidents are no small matter—they happen when a driver pushes their limits and loses focus, leaving everyone around them in harm’s way. When this happens, a trusted Garden City truck accident attorney at Horn Wright, LLP, can help you take back control and hold the parties responsible accountable. 

If you’re looking for the legal support you need after a devastating crash, why not hire one of the best law firms in America? We are recognized for our relentless advocacy and commitment to helping people just like you. 

The Real Reasons Behind Drowsy Truck Drivers 

Being tired is human. But when a truck driver’s fatigue puts lives at risk, there’s no excuse. Why do so many truckers end up driving on empty? 

• Ridiculous Deadlines: Trucking companies often care more about delivery times than safety. 
• Skipping Rest: Some drivers skip rest stops, thinking they’ll save time. They don’t. 
• Crazy Schedules: Late nights, early mornings, and unpredictable shifts throw off their internal clocks. 
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea leave drivers worn out, even after a “full night” of rest. 
• Sheer Pressure: Many drivers feel forced to push through fatigue, afraid of losing their jobs. 

The trucking industry is a fast-paced, competitive environment. Drivers often work long hours to meet strict delivery deadlines, and trucking companies prioritize profits over safety. Unfortunately, this creates a system where drivers are routinely overworked and exhausted. 

This isn’t just about bad decisions—it’s a system that sometimes puts profits over people. And when that happens, innocent lives are at stake. 

How Often Do Fatigued Truck Drivers Cause Accidents? 

It’s easy to think of truck accidents as something that happens “somewhere else,” but they’re more common than you might expect. Trucks are everywhere—on Stewart Avenue, Franklin Avenue, even cutting through residential streets to make deliveries. 

Each of these accidents represents a family whose life has been upended. A mother heading home from work, a teenager driving to practice, or a father taking his kids to school—these are the lives affected by drowsy driving crashes.  

It’s a wake-up call to how serious the issue really is. With the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney, you can begin to hold negligent truckers and their employers accountable for the harm they’ve caused. 

Can Laws Really Stop Fatigued Trucking in New York? 

New York enforces several regulations to prevent fatigued driving by truckers, many of which align with federal standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These laws aim to limit driving hours and ensure proper rest: 

• New York State Department of Transportation Regulations: These rules govern commercial vehicles operating in-state, including weight restrictions and hours-of-service compliance. 
• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truckers can’t drive more than 11 hours after a 10-hour break. 
• 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers cannot work beyond a 14-hour shift, which includes breaks and driving time. 
• Mandatory Rest Breaks: After eight hours of driving, drivers must take a 30-minute break. 

These laws are designed to protect both drivers and the public. However, enforcement is often the weak link. Some trucking companies falsify driver logs, while others push drivers to break the rules to meet unrealistic deadlines. 

When laws are ignored, accidents happen. If you’ve been impacted by one of these violations, New York laws provide a pathway to justice. Our Garden City personal injury lawyers have helped countless truck accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. 

What Should You Do After a Drowsy Driving Truck Accident? 

Your world just turned upside down, and you’re probably asking yourself, What now? The choices you make in the aftermath are critical. This what you need to do: 

1. Call 911: Get police and medical professionals involved right away. This step is huge. 
2. Document the Scene: Take pictures, note road conditions, and collect anything that could support your case. 
3. Exchange Information: Get contact details from the truck driver and witnesses. 
4. Seek Medical Help: Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Injuries can show up later. 
5. Talk to a Lawyer: Truck accident cases are complicated, and time isn’t on your side. Get someone in your corner who knows how to fight back. 

You don’t have to handle this all by yourself. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be a lot—dealing with insurance, managing medical bills, and coping with all the stress can be overwhelming. That’s why having legal support can really make a difference. 

Who’s Responsible When a Drowsy Truck Driver Hits You? 

It might feel like it’s all on the driver—and sure, they’re a big part of it. But here’s the truth: liability often stretches far beyond the person behind the wheel. 

• The Trucking Company: If they pressured the driver to meet an unreasonable deadline, they’re on the hook.  
• Maintenance Providers: Faulty brakes or tires? Whoever handled the truck’s upkeep might be liable under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375. 
• Manufacturers: Defective parts that made the accident worse could shift blame to the maker. 
• Shipping Companies: If their tight scheduling forced the driver to ignore rest breaks, they might share responsibility. 

Determining liability isn’t always straightforward. It requires careful investigation, reviewing black box data, driver logs, and employer policies.  

What Does “Fair Compensation” Really Mean for You? 

After a truck accident, the last thing you need is to worry about how you’ll pay your bills or get back on your feet. Compensation can help cover the costs and give you a sense of justice. But what does it actually include? 

• Medical Costs: From ER visits to long-term therapy, including getting an MRI, every dollar counts.  
• Lost Income: If you’re out of work—or can’t return to the same job—that loss matters. We will ensure that you recover your lost income. 
• Pain and Suffering: This isn’t just about the physical. Emotional scars deserve recognition too. 
• Property Damage: Fixing or replacing your car is part of the recovery process. 

Compensation is about more than money—it’s about making sure you’re supported as you rebuild your life. When insurance companies try to minimize your claim, you need someone in your corner to stand up for what’s fair. 

Horn Wright, LLP: Fighting for Justice When You Need It Most 

You’ve been through enough. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve helped countless people just like you—people blindsided by a trucker’s negligence and left to pick up the pieces. 

We’ve handled everything from drowsy driving legal claims to fatigued truck driver lawsuits, building strong cases that stand up to even the biggest trucking companies. We’ll dig into the details, stand up to the trucking companies, and make sure you’re not left in the dust.  

Contact our Garden City law office today for a FREE consultation.