According to Newsweek, in 2024, Wyoming saw approximately 181 large truck crashes, 60 injuries, and six deaths for every 100,000 residents. One of the biggest safety concerns in truck driving is the danger of truck driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that driver fatigue is a contributing factor in 13% of trucking accidents. In this article, we discuss the causes and consequences of truck driver fatigue and outline the legal options available to those affected by this form of negligence.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
To maintain road safety, truck drivers must adhere to a set of rules and regulations. When a truck driver fails to comply with any of these service regulations, it can result in catastrophic injury or wrongful death. Recognizing the causes of fatigue is a crucial step in preventing it. Common causes include:
- Long Driving Hours: According to the FMCSA, property-carrying truck drivers cannot exceed driving for 11 hours for one shift and must take at least a 30-minute break for every eight hours of consecutive driving.
- Poor Sleep Conditions: Truck drivers may have to make rest stops in places that do not provide ideal sleep conditions. If a driver consistently gets poor sleep, it can have detrimental consequences when they return to the road.
- Mental Fatigue: Truck driving can feel very monotonous, with long stretches of road, and it can be difficult for drivers to stay alert.
- Health Issues: Truck drivers may suffer from medical conditions that require them to take medication that causes drowsiness. If the timing of when they need to take their medication interferes with their driving, they should not be on the roads.
Fatigued driving can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making behind the wheel. This can result in fatalities and catastrophic injuries, particularly with accidents involving a commercial truck and a motor vehicle.
The Attorney’s Role In Determining Liability
After a crash involving a fatigued truck driver, determining who is legally responsible can be a complex process. Multiple parties, including the driver, employer, or a third-party logistics company, may share liability. A skilled truck accident attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash to identify all liable parties and build a strong case for compensation.
To prove that driver fatigue played a role, attorneys often gather a range of evidence, such as:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to show if the driver violated Hours of Service rules.
- Driver logs and delivery schedules that reflect unreasonable deadlines.
- Witness statements and accident reconstruction reports to demonstrate delayed reaction times or erratic behavior.
- Medical records or toxicology reports that may reveal health conditions or medication use.
If an employer encouraged the driver to skip breaks or violate regulations, they could also be held accountable under vicarious liability. An experienced attorney will work to uncover these details, protect your rights, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, it’s crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Every truck accident case is unique and requires a thorough investigation of the crash, detailed evaluation of damages, and skilled negotiation with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts.
At The Fitzgerald Law Firm, we bring more than 40 years of experience handling complex truck accident claims in Wyoming and across the U.S. Our founder, Jim Fitzgerald, is a member of The Trucking Trial Lawyers Association—Top 10, which recognizes the top truck accident attorneys in each region for their legal skill and commitment to justice.
We understand how life-changing these crashes can be.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal options. Our attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you pursue the financial and emotional support you deserve.