A fatigued truck driver is a dangerous truck driver. When an overworked, exhausted trucker falls asleep at the wheel, the results can be catastrophic. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles, severe injuries, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy driver, Scholle Law is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Are Fatigued Truckers So Dangerous?
Unlike a typical passenger car driver, truckers operate large, heavy, and difficult-to-maneuver vehicles. When a trucker loses focus or dozes off, the impact of their negligence is multiplied. Common dangers of fatigued truck driving include:
- Delayed reaction times – Fatigue slows reflexes, making it harder to stop in time.
- Lane drifting – Drowsy drivers may swerve into other lanes or off the road.
- Missed traffic signals – A fatigued trucker may not notice red lights or stop signs.
- Increased likelihood of rear-end collisions – Tired drivers are less able to judge stopping distances.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truckers face demanding schedules and unrealistic deadlines, which can lead to dangerous levels of exhaustion. Some of the most common causes of fatigue-related truck accidents include:
- Violating Hours of Service (HOS) regulations – Federal laws limit the number of hours a trucker can drive, but some push beyond legal limits.
- Pressure from trucking companies – Some drivers feel pressured to ignore rest breaks to meet delivery deadlines.
- Untreated sleep disorders – Conditions like sleep apnea are common among truck drivers and contribute to drowsiness.
- Substance use – Some truckers turn to caffeine, stimulants, or even illegal drugs to stay awake, but these often lead to crashes when they wear off.
Proving Truck Driver Fatigue in Your Claim
Unlike simple rear-end collisions, proving fatigue played a role in a truck accident requires thorough investigation and strong evidence. Scholle Law has the experience and resources to gather critical proof, including:
1. Driver Logbooks and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Federal laws require truck drivers to keep records of their driving hours. If these logs show excessive hours on the road, it may prove the driver was fatigued and in violation of HOS regulations.
2. Black Box Data
Many commercial trucks are equipped with event data recorders that track speed, braking patterns, and steering input. A sudden lack of braking before impact may indicate the trucker was asleep at the wheel.
3. Eyewitness Testimony
Other drivers, passengers, or truck stop employees may have noticed signs of fatigue, such as yawning, drifting, or erratic driving.
4. Surveillance or Dashcam Footage
If available, footage may show the truck drifting out of its lane or failing to react to traffic before the crash.
5. Medical and Toxicology Reports
If the trucker was under the influence of stimulants or prescription drugs to stay awake, toxicology reports can serve as crucial evidence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident?
Fatigue-related truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties beyond just the truck driver. Potential defendants may include:
- The Trucking Company – If the company encouraged unrealistic schedules or ignored federal rest requirements, they could share liability.
- The Truck Driver – If the driver violated HOS laws or ignored warning signs of fatigue, they can be held responsible.
- Shippers or Cargo Loaders – If the shipper’s scheduling demands contributed to the driver’s exhaustion, they may bear some fault.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of fatigue-related truck accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, rehabilitation, surgeries)
- Lost wages and diminished future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one due to a fatigued truck driver)
Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries, the degree of negligence, and the insurance policies involved.
What Should You Do If You Suspect the Trucker Was Asleep at the Wheel?
If you believe truck driver fatigue played a role in your accident, follow these steps:
- Call 911 – Request an official police report and ensure emergency medical assistance arrives.
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Ask witnesses for statements – Get contact information from anyone who saw erratic driving before the crash.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Some injuries take time to manifest, and medical records serve as crucial evidence.
- Do NOT speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters – They may try to pressure you into a lowball settlement.
- Contact Scholle Law – Our Georgia truck accident attorneys can launch a full investigation to prove truck driver fatigue and maximize your compensation.
FAQs About Fatigued Truck Driver Accidents
1. How do I prove the trucker was asleep at the wheel?
Evidence like logbooks, black box data, and eyewitness accounts can help prove the trucker was fatigued. Scholle Law will thoroughly investigate your case to uncover the truth.
2. Can I sue the trucking company for forcing their driver to work overtime?
Yes. If the trucking company ignored federal rest laws or pressured the driver into exceeding HOS limits, they may be liable for the accident.
3. What if the truck driver denies being tired?
Fatigue is difficult to admit, but evidence like erratic driving patterns, a lack of braking, and toxicology reports can help prove negligence.
4. How long do I have to file a claim in Georgia?
You typically have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Georgia. However, it’s best to take legal action as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Don’t Let a Fatigued Trucker’s Negligence Go Unpunished – Call Scholle Law Today
Fatigued truck drivers put everyone on the road at risk. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by drowsy driving, you need experienced legal representation.
At Scholle Law, we hold trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable. Our attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
📞 Call (866) 592-1296 today for a FREE consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay until you win your case.