How to Prove Truck Driver Fatigue Caused an Accident

Truck driver fatigue accidents are more common and more dangerous than many realize. Drowsy truckers operating multi-ton vehicles can cause devastating crashes with life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, proving that driver fatigue played a role can strengthen your legal case and help you recover compensation.

In this post, we’ll walk through the causes of fatigue, how to recognize it in an accident, and what types of evidence can support your claim.

Why Truck Driver Fatigue Is So Dangerous

Driving a truck while fatigued is similar to driving under the influence. Slowed reaction times, poor decision-making, and lapses in attention dramatically increase the risk of a serious crash.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue is a factor in up to 13% of all large truck accidents. When truckers drive long shifts, skip required breaks, or suffer from sleep disorders, they put everyone else on the road at risk.

Signs a Crash Was Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue

If you’re trying to prove that fatigue led to the accident, here are some red flags that investigators and attorneys look for:

• The truck drifted across lanes or left the road
• The driver didn’t brake before impact
• Witnesses report the driver looked dazed or sleepy
• The crash occurred during early morning hours or overnight
• No signs of evasive maneuvers

These indicators, combined with hard evidence, can help show that the driver was too tired to operate safely.

Key Evidence That Can Prove Fatigue

Gathering the right evidence is crucial to proving a truck driver fatigue accident. Legal teams often focus on these sources:

1. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations

Federal law limits truckers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) data can show whether the driver exceeded these limits or skipped breaks.

2. Dash Cam Footage and GPS Tracking

Video footage may reveal signs of drowsy driving, like drifting or slow reaction times. GPS data can confirm how long the driver had been on the road without rest.

3. Driver Medical History and Sleep Disorders

Medical records may reveal undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea, use of sedating medications, or other conditions that contribute to fatigue.

4. Police Reports and Witness Statements

Police may note signs of fatigue at the scene, while eyewitnesses may describe the driver as distracted, inattentive, or dozing before the crash.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Time is critical after a truck accident. Evidence like ELD data, video footage, and dispatch records may be erased or lost within days or weeks. The trucking company and their insurer will likely begin investigating immediately to protect themselves.

To level the playing field, it’s important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Your legal team can send preservation letters to secure key data and begin building your case.

Steps to Take After a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident

Here’s what to do if you suspect truck driver fatigue caused your crash:

1. Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Report the accident and get a copy of the police report.
3. Document the scene with photos, video, and witness information.
4. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer.
5. Speak with a truck accident attorney to evaluate your legal options.

Why Proving Fatigue Can Maximize Your Recovery

When fatigue is proven, it strengthens your claim of negligence. That means a better chance of recovering damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation or long-term care
• Property damage

But without evidence, the trucking company may argue the accident was unavoidable—or worse, your fault.

Truck Accident Legal Services in Mississippi

If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, including those caused by driver fatigue, the Diaz Law Firm offers experienced legal guidance to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our skilled attorneys understand trucking regulations and will work diligently to gather evidence, prove fault, and protect your rights. We provide free case evaluations to explore your options with no upfront costs. Don’t leave your recovery to chance contact us today at (601) 607-3456 or (800) 459-2222, or visit our website to schedule a complimentary consultation and take the first step toward a full financial recovery.