Driving on a Lack of Sleep: Semi-truck Accidents and Fatigue By Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP on January 24, 2017

Semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks account for just four percent of vehicles on highways. However, trucks cause a disproportionate number of auto accidents. Driver fatigue accounts for almost half of all accidents involving large trucks. Because of the size and weight of these vehicles, semi-truck accidents and fatigue can be deadly. At Worby, Vecchio, Edleman, LLP in White Plains, NY, we can help the victims of semi-truck accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

Federal Regulations to Curb Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents and is therefore regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These restrictions are put in place to help protect truckers and other motorists. Under these regulations, drivers:

Are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 consecutive hours, provided they previously had 10 consecutive hours of rest
Cannot drive more than 14 consecutive hours after 10 consecutive hours of rest.
Are limited to a maximum of 60 hours of driving in a week, or 70 hours over an eight-day period, after which the driver must take 34 consecutive hours of rest

Despite these strict regulations, drivers and employers both may make attempts to violate them to meet deadlines.

Common Causes of Driver Fatigue

Inadequate rest is the most common cause of driver fatigue. Truck drivers work odd hours, however, often driving through the night when most of us are sleeping. Nighttime driving strains the eyes and adds overall stress to the body because it is going against our natural circadian rhythms. Poor driving conditions, such as hot, wet, or icy weather, as well as excess noise, can all contribute to fatigue. Other factors that could contribute to driver fatigue may include:

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
Certain medical conditions or poor physical health in general
Emotional distress

Liability in Semi-truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue

It may seem obvious which party is at fault in a semi-truck accident caused by fatigue. While the driver is almost certainly at fault, his or her employer may also be at fault. If the employer encouraged taking shorter breaks or driving longer than is appropriate, this could contribute to driver fatigue. Drivers must maintain logs, detailing their activity in 24-hour periods. While this can provide clues as to whether or not federal regulations were violated, it is not always conclusive.

Accidents involving large trucks are complicated as it is. When driver fatigue is the cause of the accident, things become much more complex. You need a skilled team of attorneys on your side. We will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine if the driver and the employer are liable for your injuries. Regardless of who is at fault, we will fight for your right to compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. In the even that the accident caused a fatality, we can also pursue a wrongful death claim.