Truck Accidents Due to Driver Fatigue
Tractor trailers and other big trucks account for just 5% of all registered vehicles on U.S. roads, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Despite those low numbers, these trucks result in thousands of deaths each year, including fatalities due to truck driver fatigue.
Federal and state laws put limits on how many hours truck drivers are allowed to operate their vehicles. However, these fatigue-related crashes still happen. Pedestrians, other drivers, and other vehicle occupants who have been injured in these kinds of accidents may be able to seek driver fatigue damages.
These damages can help compensate for the cost of medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and other expenses. But how does this process work? Knowing more about truck accidents involving fatigued drivers sheds more light on why they happen and why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney when seeking damages.
Truck Accidents By the Numbers
How many big truck accidents result in fatalities? How many are due to fatigue? A closer look at statistics on accidents involving large trucks shows that:
- In 2022, out of 4,764 fatalities, two-thirds were drivers or passengers in other vehicles and 16% were bicyclists, pedestrians, or motorcyclists, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- The number of deaths due to large truck accidents in 2022 was over twice as high as the total number in 2009 — the year with the lowest number of deaths.
- An estimated 13% of accidents involving large trucks were due to fatigue, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What Causes Fatigue in Truck Drivers?
These drivers spend several hours on the road per day transporting products, equipment, and other goods. Driving for long periods of time can cause them to become fatigued or extremely tired, especially if they haven’t taken many breaks or rested much.
This fatigue makes it harder for truck drivers to stay alert behind the wheel. It also leads to longer reaction times to hazardous road conditions due to weather, objects, or other vehicles. For example, a fatigued truck driver may not swerve in time to avoid a collision.
Fatigue’s effects put truck drivers, pedestrians, and occupants in other vehicles at risk of serious injuries or death. In fact, being this tired while driving has similar effects as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
What Are Signs of Driving Fatigue?
Truck drivers who are experiencing extreme tiredness or drowsiness behind the wheel might have any of these signs:
- Yawning often
- Having heavy eyelids
- Drifting out of their lane
- Nodding off
- Failing to notice and obey road signs
- Not being able to recall driving for the past few miles or more
Note that these are warning signs of driving fatigue. Truck drivers experiencing any of these signs should pull over in a safe area and rest before driving again.
What Rules and Laws Are There for Truck Driver Fatigue?
With fatigue being so dangerous, state and federal laws and rules on the number of hours truck drivers can operate their vehicle have been put in place. Federal rules, known as Hours of Service, that the FMCSA has set include:
- Up to 11 hours of driving time transporting goods (but only after 10 consecutive hours being off duty)
- A maximum total of 14 hours on duty before stopping for a break
- A minimum number of 10 hours of rest after a shift before getting behind the wheel again
- A total limit of 60 or 70 driving hours over the course of 7 or 8 days in a row
Florida has no specific state laws or rules for truck driver fatigue. Law enforcement and authorities may issue penalties and fines if trucking companies and drivers fail to follow the FMCSA Hours of Service rules.
How Fatigue Leads to Accidents
Driving any vehicle involves making split-second decisions and staying alert. For truck drivers, this is even more important, since their large, heavy vehicles can end up causing serious harm when accidents occur. Fatigue makes it tough to make decisions, watch for hazards, and react quickly.
For example, a driver might nod off while at the wheel, causing them to swerve into the path of an oncoming car. Or they might not brake quickly enough to avoid colliding with a vehicle in front of them.
What Are Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries?
Being in this kind of accident can result in severe or life-threatening injuries. Some injuries that are common with these collisions include:
- Bone fractures or breaks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
Severe injuries may lead to long recovery times, costly medical and rehabilitation bills, and lost wages from being unable to work. These injuries might also affect emotional and mental well-being.
Can Truck Drivers Take Steps to Prevent Fatigue?
Yes, following the Hours of Service rules is an important part of this. These drivers should also be getting enough sleep before their shift and taking breaks during work. Being aware of and watching for warning signs of driving fatigue is another way to help reduce the risk of fatigue-related truck accidents.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in this type of accident, getting medical help is highly important. Some internal injuries and other injuries may not cause noticeable or severe symptoms ai first. But they may end up causing serious complications without prompt treatment.
At the scene of the accident, call the police, get insurance and other relevant information from the truck driver, get information from witnesses, and take photos of damage. Keep detailed information on injuries, such as how severe they are, along with records of medical-related expenses.
Remember that you may be entitled to receive compensation if you can prove that the truck driver was responsible for the accident. It’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer to guide you through the whole process of seeking damages.
Who Is Responsible for Driver Fatigue Damages?
Truck drivers and/or the trucking companies they work for may be held liable if they cause an accident due to fatigue. In some cases, the driver might be at fault if they failed to comply with the Hours of Service rules, such as driving too long or not taking breaks. In other cases, the company or employer might be at fault. For example, if they pushed drivers to drive longer than allowed, especially without breaks or rest, than the company would be held liable.
What Types of Damages Can Victims Seek?
Driver fatigue damages may include the following:
- Medical bills, including hospital, surgery, and rehabilitation bills
- Lost wages due to being out of work during recovery
- Pain and suffering
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatigue-related trucking accident, you may be able to seek damages for wrongful death.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Seeking driver fatigue damages can help you avoid financial struggles due to truck accidents. However, you’ll need to know how to navigate this legal process. An experienced attorney can provide guidance and support, ensuring that each step is followed. They can also help you receive the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
FAQs on Fatigue-Related Truck Accidents
Why do I need to prove the truck driver had driver fatigue?
In order to receive driver fatigue damages, you’ll have to prove that the truck driver caused the accident due to fatigue.
How do I prove driver fatigue caused a truck accident?
Your attorney can help you gather the evidence needed for this, such as information from the driver’s logbook or electronic logging device showing the hours they drove.
Is the motor carrier liable for driver fatigue damages?
They can be held liable if their actions led to the accident, such as forcing drivers to be behind the wheel for too many hours without rest.
How long do I have to seek driver fatigue damages?
You typically have 2 years to seek compensation for this type of accident. This time limit makes it important to start the process as soon as possible.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida for Truck Accidents
Are you ready to begin seeking driver fatigue damages? Our legal team is here to help. At Shapiro Law Group, our personal injury attorneys in Florida can guide you through this process from start to finish. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
