EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Tired or Fatigued Driving in Truck Accident Injury Cases
Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys Hold Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Accountable for Crashes
Fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of serious trucking accidents across Illinois and the nation. When a truck driver is exhausted or sleep-deprived, their reaction times, judgment, and ability to maintain control of their vehicle are significantly impaired. Given the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, even a small lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic accidents, resulting in severe injuries or death.
At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the devastating consequences of trucking accidents caused by driver fatigue. Our Illinois semi-truck accident attorneys are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and the companies that employ them accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, our experienced Illinois personal injury attorneys can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Fatigued Driving in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry often requires drivers to spend long hours on the road, with tight schedules and deadlines, leading many truckers to push their limits. While federal regulations, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) rules, are in place to prevent driver fatigue, many drivers and trucking companies violate these rules, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Common dangers associated with fatigued driving include:
- Slower Reaction Times: Fatigued drivers may struggle to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic or obstacles on the road.
- Impaired Judgment: Exhaustion can impair a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, such as when to brake or how to navigate hazardous road conditions.
- Drowsiness or Micro-Sleeps: Extreme fatigue can cause drivers to nod off or experience brief moments of unconsciousness, often leading to catastrophic accidents.
In trucking accidents, where vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, the margin for error is slim, and the consequences of fatigue-related errors can be life-altering.
Federal Hours of Service Regulations
The FMCSA regulates the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road to minimize the risks associated with driver fatigue. These Hours of Service (HOS) rules include:
- Maximum Driving Hours: Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Mandatory Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving.
- Weekly Limits: Drivers cannot be on duty for more than 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days.
Unfortunately, many drivers and companies violate these regulations, whether due to tight delivery schedules, pressure from employers, or financial incentives. This disregard for safety can lead to severe and preventable trucking accidents.
Proving Fatigued Driving in Trucking Accident Cases
Proving that fatigue played a role in a trucking accident can be challenging, but an experienced truck accident attorney can gather critical evidence to build a strong case. Some methods of proving driver fatigue include:
- Reviewing Logbooks and Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Truck drivers are required to keep detailed records of their driving hours, breaks, and rest periods. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are also used to monitor compliance with HOS regulations. By reviewing these records, an attorney can identify violations or evidence of excessive driving hours.
- Examining GPS and Cell Phone Data: GPS and cell phone records can be used to verify the driver’s location and activity at specific times, helping to establish whether they were driving for extended periods without rest.
- Analyzing Accident Scene Evidence: Skid marks, tire impressions, and the truck’s damage pattern can indicate whether the driver made any attempts to brake or take evasive action before the collision. Lack of reaction may suggest that the driver was asleep or not fully alert.
- Reviewing Medical Records: Medical records from the truck driver may provide additional insight into whether fatigue or a medical condition contributed to the accident.
The Impact of Fatigue on Truck Accident Victims
The victims of fatigue-related trucking accidents often face catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Severe Internal Injuries
- Wrongful Death
These injuries typically result in long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant financial burdens. Additionally, the emotional toll on victims and their families can be devastating.
Seeking Justice for Fatigue-Related Trucking Accidents
At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the complex nature of trucking accident cases, especially those involving fatigued driving. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, review driving logs, and gather critical evidence to hold negligent drivers and their employers accountable.
Victims of trucking accidents caused by driver fatigue may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium
- Wrongful Death
“Fatigued driving in the trucking industry poses a significant danger to everyone on the road. We are committed to holding negligent drivers and their employers accountable when their disregard for safety causes harm. If you’ve been affected by a truck accident involving fatigue, we will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.”
Contact the Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by fatigued driving, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to advocating for the rights of truck accident victims across Illinois. We understand the complexity of these cases and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. We are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.