Large trucks move the majority of goods across the United States, and truck drivers play an important role in keeping our economy running. But the demanding schedules and long hours behind the wheel can put both drivers and others on the road at risk. One of the leading causes of serious truck accidents is truck driver fatigue.

When a truck driver becomes drowsy or even falls asleep at the wheel, the results can be devastating. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving fatigue often lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and in many cases, fatalities. Victims and their families are often left with questions about liability and what legal options are available to pursue compensation.

This article will explore the causes and dangers of truck driver fatigue, the federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations designed to prevent it, and how fatigue can impact liability in a truck accident lawsuit. Understanding these factors can help injured victims protect their rights and pursue justice.

What Is Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck driver fatigue refers to physical and mental exhaustion that reduces a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Fatigue can impair reaction time, judgment, and alertness in ways similar to alcohol or drug use. In fact, research shows that being awake for 18 hours straight can have the same effect on reaction time as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours awake, the impairment is closer to a BAC of 0.10%—higher than the legal limit for driving.

For truck drivers, the risk is heightened due to long shifts, overnight driving, irregular sleep schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines.

Federal Hours of Service Regulations

To combat the dangers of fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate and require mandatory rest breaks. Key HOS rules include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they take breaks.
• 30-Minute Rest Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 consecutive hours.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.

These rules are designed to reduce fatigue and keep roads safer. However, violations are common, and some trucking companies may pressure drivers to ignore regulations in order to meet tight schedules.

Why Truck Drivers Experience Fatigue

Even with regulations in place, fatigue remains a leading factor in truck accidents. Contributing factors include:

• Long Hours and Overnight Driving: Driving late at night or early in the morning disrupts natural sleep cycles.
• Unrealistic Delivery Schedules: Trucking companies may pressure drivers to meet deadlines, leading to skipped rest breaks.
• Medical Conditions: Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders are common among truck drivers and can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Poor Sleep Environments: Resting in truck cabs or at noisy rest stops may prevent quality sleep.

When these factors combine, drivers are more likely to become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel.

The Dangers of Fatigued Driving

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Common risks include:

• Slower Reaction Times: A fatigued driver may not react quickly enough to avoid hazards.
• Poor Decision Making: Tired drivers may misjudge distances or make unsafe lane changes.
• Microsleeps: Short, involuntary periods of sleep lasting just seconds can cause a driver to lose control.
• Falling Asleep at the Wheel: Complete loss of alertness can result in catastrophic truck accidents.

Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a momentary lapse can cause devastating outcomes.

Truck Accident Liability and Fatigue

When fatigue contributes to a crash, determining liability can be complex. Multiple parties may be held responsible, including:

• Truck Driver: If the driver ignored HOS rules, skipped rest, or made unsafe choices.
• Trucking Company: If the company encouraged unrealistic schedules or failed to monitor driver logs.
• Manufacturers: In rare cases, defective equipment like faulty brakes can worsen the outcome.

In a truck accident lawsuit, proving fatigue often involves reviewing driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, witness statements, and even surveillance footage. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate whether fatigue played a role and pursue accountability.

Evidence of Truck Driver Fatigue

Evidence that may support a claim of truck driver fatigue includes:

• Logbook or ELD violations
• Eyewitness testimony of swerving or erratic driving
• Medical records indicating sleep disorders
• Cell phone or GPS records showing long hours without breaks
• Admissions by the driver about lack of rest

By uncovering these details, a truck accident lawyer can strengthen the case for compensation.

Compensation in a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Victims of truck accidents caused by driver fatigue may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

Because trucking companies and insurers often fight these claims aggressively, working with a skilled truck accident attorney is important.

Preventing Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents

While regulations and enforcement help, more can be done to reduce fatigue-related crashes:

• Companies should create realistic schedules that allow for proper rest.
• Drivers should prioritize sleep and seek medical treatment for sleep disorders.
• Technology such as fatigue monitoring systems can alert drivers before accidents occur.
• Stronger enforcement of Hours of Service violations may deter unsafe practices.

Until systemic changes are made, the risk of fatigue-related truck accidents will remain.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and lasting physical and emotional pain. You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.

We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence of fatigue, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward justice.