| While truck driver fatigue is preventable, its consequences are often life-altering. Piedmont Injury Law is here to hold negligent parties accountable and help you rebuild your life. |
Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of severe accidents on Georgia’s highways. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly, judge situations accurately, and maintain focus—all of which are critical for operating large commercial vehicles safely.
At Piedmont Injury Law, our Kennesaw truck accident lawyers understand the devastating consequences of truck accidents caused by driver fatigue and are committed to helping victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
What is truck driver fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue occurs when a driver becomes physically or mentally exhausted, impairing their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Fatigue can result from long hours behind the wheel, insufficient sleep, or demanding schedules discouraging adequate rest. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue is a significant factor in many large truck crashes (13%, to be exact).
Signs of truck driver fatigue in accident cases
After a truck accident, signs of driver fatigue may include:
- Hours of service violations: Logbooks or electronic logging devices (ELDs) showing excessive driving hours.
- Unusual driving patterns: Witness reports of swerving, erratic speeds, or delayed braking.
- Driver statements: Admissions of insufficient sleep or overly demanding schedules.
An experienced attorney from Piedmont Injury Law can investigate these factors to determine if truck driver fatigue contributed to your accident.
How truck driver fatigue increases accident risks
Fatigue affects drivers in multiple ways, increasing the likelihood of accidents:
- Reduced reaction times: Fatigued drivers may not react quickly enough to sudden changes, such as stopped traffic or unexpected obstacles.
- Impaired decision-making: Exhaustion diminishes cognitive abilities, leading to poor decisions like misjudging stopping distances or turning improperly.
- Decreased attention span: A fatigued driver may struggle to focus on the road, increasing the chances of missing signs, signals, or other vehicles.
- Microsleep episodes: Fatigued drivers may experience brief moments of unconsciousness, sometimes lasting only a few seconds but with catastrophic potential.
Federal and Georgia laws regulating truck driver hours
To combat fatigue-related accidents, regulations limit the hours truck drivers can work without rest. The FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations require:
- A maximum of 11 driving hours after 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
- A mandatory 30-minute break for every 8 hours of driving.
- No more than 60 hours of driving over 7 consecutive days or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days.
In Georgia, these federal standards are adopted under O.C.G.A. § 40-1-8, which governs commercial vehicle safety. Despite these regulations, some trucking companies and drivers violate these limits to meet tight deadlines, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Who is liable for truck driver fatigue accidents?
Liability in truck driver fatigue cases often extends beyond the driver. Other potentially liable parties include:
- Trucking companies: Companies may pressure drivers to exceed HOS limits or fail to enforce rest breaks.
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can exacerbate the dangers of fatigue by making the truck harder to control.
- Maintenance teams: Poorly maintained vehicles can increase the risk of accidents when combined with driver fatigue.
Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
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How Piedmont Injury Law can help
Truck accidents caused by driver fatigue often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death. At Piedmont Injury Law, we have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases. We will:
- Investigate the crash to uncover evidence of fatigue.
- Analyze logbooks, ELD data, and other records.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to build your case.
- Fight to secure maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation we can help you recover
If truck driver fatigue caused your accident, you may be entitled to:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
Contact Piedmont Injury Law for help with your truck driver fatigue case
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by truck driver fatigue, Piedmont Injury Law is ready to help. Our experienced team will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or at (678) 909-0770 to schedule your free consultation.