Driver Fatigue and Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know
Truck accidents often cause devastating injuries and significant property damage. While many factors can contribute to 18-wheeler crashes, driver fatigue is one of the most serious—and most common causes. When a truck driver is too tired to operate a vehicle safely, the consequences can be severe.
Why Driver Fatigue Is Dangerous
Driving while fatigued can impair a driver’s ability in ways similar to alcohol or drug impairment. Fatigue can slow reaction times, reduce concentration, affect decision-making, and make it more difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
For truck drivers, the risk can be particularly significant. Long hours on the road, irregular schedules, overnight driving, demanding delivery deadlines, and insufficient sleep can all contribute to fatigue. A tired driver may fail to recognize a hazard, drift into another lane, miss a stop, or fall asleep behind the wheel.
Because commercial trucks are substantially larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, a fatigue-related mistake can result in catastrophic consequences.
Hours-of-Service Rules
Federal regulations establish limits on how long commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles without adequate rest. These rules, commonly known as Hours-of-Service regulations, are designed to reduce fatigue-related crashes.
Drivers and trucking companies may be required to maintain records showing when a driver was on duty, driving, or off duty. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are commonly used to track a driver’s hours.
However, violations can still occur. A driver or trucking company may attempt to exceed legal driving limits, manipulate records, pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or otherwise encourage unsafe driving practices.
Signs of Fatigue After a Truck Accident
If a truck accident occurs, investigators may examine whether driver fatigue played a role. Evidence can include electronic logging data, dispatch records, GPS information, fuel receipts, delivery records, driver communications, and employment records.
Investigators may also look at the driver’s recent work schedule and whether there were indications that the driver had inadequate opportunities for sleep or rest.
This evidence can be especially important because a fatigued driver may not be able to accurately explain how long they had been awake or how much rest they had received.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
If you have been injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report the crash to the appropriate authorities. If you are able, preserve photographs, witness information, medical records, and other documentation related to the accident.
Because evidence concerning a commercial driver’s schedule and hours may be maintained by the trucking company or other parties, it can also be important to act quickly to preserve potentially relevant evidence.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.
