Driver Fatigue and Truck Accident Liability
Driver fatigue is the leading cause of commercial truck accidents. When a trucking company knowingly allows fatigued drivers to operate vehicles, they are liable for resulting injuries.
FMCSA Fatigue Rules
The FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules exist specifically to prevent driver fatigue:
- Maximum 11 hours of driving per 14-hour work day
- Minimum 10 hours off-duty between shifts
- No more than 60 hours per 7-day period
- Mandatory rest on the 8th day
Signs of a Fatigued Driver
Accidents involving fatigued drivers typically show:
- Drifting between lanes
- Failure to brake or slow down
- Reduced reaction time
- Jackknife or rollover patterns
Proving Negligence
Your attorney will obtain:
- ELD records showing HOS violations
- Driver logbook entries
- Company dispatch records
- Expert analysis of accident mechanics
Settlement Values
Fatigue-related accidents result in substantial settlements because companies are required by federal law to prevent them.