Driving commercial trucks demands advanced skill, constant attention, and the ability to respond swiftly to changing traffic conditions. Unfortunately, the trucking profession often requires many drivers to remain behind the wheel for long periods. When a truck driver fails to take mandatory rest breaks, they are at a much higher risk of causing fatigued driving wrecks. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler mean that fatigued driver truck crashes often result in severe injuries and fatalities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that fatigued driving is a factor in nearly 13 percent of all large commercial truck crashes.

Were you hurt in a truck driver fatigue accident in Tupelo? Reach out to Mama Justice – MW Law Firm today. Our Mississippi personal injury attorneys deeply empathize with the challenges and hardships you endured. We’re here to help you determine your legal options and hold every negligent party accountable for their role in harming you. With our assistance, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related losses.

Call or contact our offices today for a free consultation with a skilled Tupelo truck accident lawyer.

What Is Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck driver fatigue occurs when a driver is physically and mentally exhausted due to insufficient sleep, making it harder to stay alert and drive safely. Truckers, especially interstate truck drivers, work long hours and sometimes face pressure from employers to complete deliveries as fast as possible. These job demands can cause many drivers to overextend themselves, even though federal regulations require them to adhere to regular rest periods.

Common Causes of Truck Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue can result from poor sleep, long work hours, demanding work activities, or a combination of all factors.

  • Sleep deprivation – Lack of sleep is common among truck drivers due to long work shifts, reduced sleep quality on the road, and some health conditions like sleep apnea.
  • Highway hypnosis – Driving through monotonous stretches of similar scenery can induce a trance-like state where truckers are physically conscious but zoned out to their surroundings.
  • Time of day – Night shifts put truckers at odds with their body’s circadian rhythm, leaving them exhausted and vulnerable to falling asleep while driving. Such fatigue significantly increases the chances of devastating semi-truck accidents.

How Fatigue Impacts Driving Ability

Drowsy driving is not just a minor inconvenience — it can impair one’s driving ability just as much as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Tired drivers display significantly longer reaction times and delayed decision-making, both of which drastically increase the chance of wrecks. Fatigued truck drivers are less likely to notice traffic in other lanes and may forget to survey their surroundings before maneuvering. Fatigued drivers might also fall into involuntary “microsleeps” while at the wheel and lose control of their rigs. In addition, the mental and emotional stress of sleep deprivation can make drivers irritable and more prone to aggressive driving behaviors.

Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations

Tupelo Truck Driver Fatigue LawyerThe federal government heavily regulates the number of hours truck drivers can drive to reduce the risk of fatigued driving accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations limit truckers to 11 hours of driving after at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a maximum of 14 consecutive on-duty hours.

Drivers are also required to take a 30-minute uninterrupted break after eight hours of driving. Truck drivers are limited to 60 on-duty hours over seven consecutive days — or 70 hours over eight days if their carrier operates every day.

Once they hit this limit, they must take a 34-hour break to reset their workweek. Short-haul drivers who operate within 150 miles of their home base are exempt from the 11-hour driving limit but cannot exceed 14 consecutive hours on duty.

Hours-of-service violations may result in a truck accident. When they do, truck drivers and trucking companies that violate these regulations can be financially liable for the injuries they cause as a result.

Determining Liability in Tupelo Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents

Numerous factors could play a role in a truck accident. Fatigue and hours-of-service violations could both be contributing factors that implicate the truck driver and the truck company. Still, multiple potentially liable parties could have played a role in causing the wreck. An experienced truck accident attorney in Tupelo will need to conduct a thorough investigation to identify each liable party. Other potential defendants may include:

  • Other drivers – Negligence isn’t always limited to the truck driver, even a tired one. If another motorist was driving recklessly, they could be partly responsible for the accident.
  • Maintenance providers – If an equipment failure or failure to make truck repairs contributed to the crash, mechanics may be partly at fault.
  • Cargo loaders – Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can shift during transit, making tractor-trailers more prone to overturning, especially if a drowsy driver makes a sudden evasive maneuver.

Evidence that could prove fault and liability in truck driver fatigue accidents includes:

  • Truck driver logs showing the driver had been on duty for too many hours
  • Trucking company records showing the driver had a history of fatigued driving or hours-of-service violations
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) data
  • Interior dashcam footage showing the truck driver sleeping while driving
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Eyewitness statements

FMCSA does not require trucking companies to keep all evidence indefinitely. For example, hours-of-service logs only need to be retained for six months. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a fatigued driver accident attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. A lawyer can immediately send a request demanding that the company keep all records related to the wreck while the truck accident claim proceeds. These records can serve as crucial evidence in your case.

Compensation Available for Accident Victims

Depending on the circumstances and the severity of your injuries, the truck accident attorneys at Mama Justice can seek compensation for your:

  • Past and current medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Diminished lifetime earning capacity due to permanent disabilities
  • Miscellaneous injury expenses, like alternate transportation or childcare
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

Life after a fatigue-related accident can be challenging to manage, especially when your injuries keep you off your feet. Mama Justice can fight for the money you need to secure a stable foundation for healing and recovery.

Why You Need a Tupelo Truck Accident Lawyer from Mama Justice

Truck accident cases are complex because they involve both Mississippi and federal trucking regulations. The high value of truck accident claims also means insurance companies scrutinize them heavily. Mama Justice can meet these challenges and provide high-quality legal representation for you in your time of need. We have recovered millions in personal injury claims for accident victims in Mississippi and are driven by our commitment to helping others heal. We can manage every aspect of your semi-truck accident case, such as:

  • Investigating the accident scene for evidence
  • Obtaining medical records and the official police report
  • Taking witness statements
  • Gathering from accident reconstruction experts and other specialists
  • Filing your truck accident claim
  • Negotiating for maximum compensation during settlement talks
  • Filing a truck accident lawsuit and taking your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to make a fair deal

We have recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims and were named by Inc. 5000 as the fastest-growing, female-owned law firm in the nation, with 400+ five-star reviews from satisfied clients. You can count on us to provide compassionate legal counsel and pursue full and fair compensation throughout the legal process.

Contact a Tupelo Truck Accident Lawyer Now

In your darkest hours, let Mama Justice be your guiding light. Contact our law firm today or call for a free initial consultation with a Tupelo truck accident lawyer.