Drowsy drivers pose a serious risk on the road, but when fatigue affects the operators of large commercial vehicles, the consequences can be catastrophic. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue is a factor in at least 13% of commercial truck accidents. Long hours, tight schedules, and inadequate rest can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making ability, and overall awareness, leading to devastating collisions.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued commercial driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The Hollis Law Firm understands the challenges victims face after a serious crash and is committed to helping clients level the playing field against trucking companies and insurers.
How Does Driver Fatigue Contribute to Commercial Truck Accidents?
Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines, which can lead to excessive driving hours and insufficient rest. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, increasing the risk of serious accidents, causing the following:
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Microsleeps
These mistakes often lead to severe crashes, endangering the truck driver and others on the road.
FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations and Violations
To combat driver fatigue, the FMCSA has implemented Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Some drivers and trucking companies violate these rules to meet tight schedules, increasing the risk of accidents. However, most drivers are trained to follow these rules:
- Maximum driving hours: Truck drivers may only drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Mandatory rest breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight straight hours
- Weekly limits: A driver cannot exceed 60 hours of driving in seven days or 70 hours in eight days
If a fatigued driver caused your accident, reviewing their logbooks, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and company records can help determine whether they exceeded legal driving limits.
Recognizing the Signs of a Fatigued Truck Driver
Fatigued truck drivers often display warning signs before an accident occurs. If you notice any of the following behaviors on the road, it could indicate that a truck driver is struggling to stay alert:
- Drifting between lanes without signaling
- Erratic speed changes, such as sudden acceleration or slowing
- Delayed reactions to traffic signals and road hazards
- Frequent braking or abrupt swerving
When you suspect a truck driver is fatigued, keep a safe distance and report any dangerous driving behavior to the appropriate authorities.
Proving Truck Driver Fatigue in an Accident Case
Demonstrating that fatigue played a role in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation and strong supporting evidence. Some of the most critical pieces of evidence include:
- Driver’s logbooks and ELD data: These records track hours driven and may reveal violations of HOS regulations
- Eyewitness accounts: Passengers or motorists may have noticed signs of drowsy driving before the crash
- Surveillance or dashcam footage: Video evidence can show erratic driving behavior before the collision
- Medical records: If a driver has a history of sleep disorders or medication use that causes drowsiness, it may contribute to proving negligence
By gathering and analyzing this evidence, an attorney can build a strong case to demonstrate how fatigue led to the accident and who should be held responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Accident Caused by Fatigue?
While a fatigued truck driver may be directly responsible for an accident, liability can extend beyond the driver. Other parties that may be held liable include:
- Trucking companies: If an employer pressures drivers to exceed legal limits or fails to enforce rest requirements, they can be held liable
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can increase the physical strain on drivers, leading to fatigue
- Truck manufacturers: If a mechanical defect contributed to a driver’s fatigue or accident, the manufacturer may share responsibility
A lawyer can help identify all responsible parties and pursue claims against them.
Call Hollis Law Firm for Legal Support After a Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents can leave victims facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress. When driver fatigue is to blame, you can hold the responsible parties liable and seek compensation for your damages.
At Hollis Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers understand the devastating impact of truck accidents and work tirelessly to help our clients recover compensation. Call us at (800) 701-3672 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
