When a commercial truck driver succumbs to fatigue and falls asleep behind the wheel, catastrophic accidents often follow. These incidents can result in devastating injuries, significant property damage, and tragic loss of life due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.
At Callahan & Blaine, PC, we understand the complex legal challenges that arise when drowsy driving causes truck accidents. Our legal team fights to help accident victims and their families seek justice after these preventable tragedies.
The Devastating Consequences of Drowsy Truck Driving
When truck drivers fall asleep while driving, the consequences are far more severe than typical car accidents. Commercial vehicles may weigh 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, creating enormous kinetic energy that makes even minor collisions potentially fatal.
Drowsy driving accidents involving trucks result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that occupants of smaller cars bear the brunt of impact forces. Unfortunately, many of these accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated and facing overwhelming medical bills and funeral expenses.
Beyond the immediate physical harm, these accidents can cause significant property damage to multiple vehicles, road infrastructure, and cargo. Traffic delays and road closures often follow, impacting entire communities and commerce routes.
Federal Regulations Governing Truck Driver Hours
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent driver fatigue. These rules limit how long drivers are able to operate their vehicles without mandatory rest periods.
Under existing regulations, truck drivers can only drive 11 hours at most after taking 10 straight hours off duty. They cannot drive above the 14th consecutive hours after coming on duty, regardless of driving time. Additionally, they must take a 30-minute break when they have driven for a duration of eight cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
Weekly limits also apply. Drivers may not drive after accumulating 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days. However, drivers can restart their weekly cycle after taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Legal Liability When Drowsy Driving Causes Accidents
When a truck driver falls asleep and causes an accident, multiple parties may bear legal responsibility. The driver who fell asleep at the wheel can face charges for negligent driving or violating traffic safety laws. Their commercial driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked.
Trucking companies often share liability when their drivers cause drowsy driving accidents. Employers have a duty to ensure their drivers comply with hours-of-service regulations and maintain proper rest schedules. Companies that encourage drivers to violate these rules or fail to monitor compliance may face significant legal consequences.
Insurance companies typically handle damage claims, but determining fault and securing fair compensation can become complex. Multiple insurance policies may apply, including the driver’s personal coverage, the trucking company’s commercial policy, and potentially the cargo owner’s insurance.
Proving Driver Fatigue in Legal Cases
Establishing that a truck driver fell asleep requires careful investigation and evidence gathering. Electronic logging devices (ELDs), which are now mandatory in most commercial trucks, provide detailed records of driving time and rest periods. These digital logs can reveal whether drivers exceeded legal limits or failed to take required breaks.
Physical evidence from the accident scene often supports drowsy driving claims. Hit-and-run accidents or collisions where trucks drift across lanes without braking suggest driver inattention or sleep. Skid marks, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements help reconstruct what happened in the moments before impact.
Medical records and driver statements may also provide evidence of fatigue. Drivers experiencing sleep disorders, taking certain medications, or reporting exhaustion before accidents strengthen legal cases. Cell phone records can reveal whether drivers were attempting to stay awake through calls or texts.
Contact Callahan & Blaine, PC for Legal Assistance
Drowsy driving truck accidents create complex legal situations requiring immediate professional attention. The aftermath of these devastating collisions often involves multiple insurance companies, federal regulations, and significant financial stakes that make pursuing compensation challenging without legal guidance.
Callahan & Blaine, PC has successfully represented countless accident victims throughout California, securing substantial settlements and verdicts for those injured by negligent truck drivers. Our team understands the intricacies of commercial trucking law and fights tirelessly to hold drowsy drivers and their employers accountable. To discuss your case and learn about your legal options, contact our office today!
