Drowsy Truck Driver Accident Lawyer in St. Louis

Bus driver yawns while driving

Have you suffered injuries in a St. Louis truck accident caused by a fatigued truck driver? At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we know how overwhelming it is to sort out your legal options while recovering, but you’re not alone. Our experienced team can help you pursue a drowsy driving truck accident claim so you can seek justice and maximum compensation for your losses.

Our compassionate team of truck accident attorneys is committed to supporting crash survivors like you. When you come to us for help, we will thoroughly investigate your case and fight for your rights.

Reach out to us today for a free initial consultation, and let us help you demand the compensation you deserve for a crash due to driver fatigue.

What Makes Fatigued Truck Driving So Dangerous? 

Fatigued driving is extremely dangerous because it impairs the truck driver’s ability to safely operate their commercial motor vehicle. When truck drivers are overly tired, their reaction times slow down, making it harder for them to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions.

Fatigue also affects judgment, increasing the likelihood of poor decision-making on the road. Additionally, drowsy drivers can experience microsleeps, where they briefly fall asleep without realizing it. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially given the size and weight of commercial trucks. 

Potential Signs of Drowsy Driving in Truck Drivers

Recognizing the signs of drowsiness in truck drivers around you can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations on the road. Here are some visible signs that might indicate truck driver fatigue: 

  • Frequent lane drifting – A clear sign of drowsy driving is when a truck repeatedly drifts out of its lane and then swerves back. It can indicate that the driver is struggling to stay awake.
  • Inconsistent speed – If a truck fluctuates between speeding up and slowing down for no apparent reason, it might be because the driver didn’t get enough sleep and is fighting to avoid nodding off.
  • Delayed reactions at traffic signals – A tired truck driver might take longer to respond to traffic signals, hesitating at green lights or taking too long to start moving when the light changes.
  • Sudden braking – Another sign of drowsy driving is abrupt or unnecessary braking. If a truck suddenly brakes without an apparent reason, it could be because the driver momentarily lost focus or nodded off and then woke up startled.
  • Failure to signal – Drowsy drivers often struggle with focus and might neglect to use turn signals before changing lanes or making turns.
  • Erratic steering – Noticeable swerving or weaving across the road suggests the driver is having trouble keeping the truck on a straight path.
  • Ignoring road signs – A truck driver who lacks adequate sleep might miss critical road signs, such as stop signs, yield signs, or speed limit changes.

Common Types of Crashes Involving Trucker Fatigue

Fatigue reduces a truck driver’s reaction time, impairs judgment, and can even cause them to fall asleep at the wheel. Truck driver drowsiness can result in devastating fatigue-related accidents, such as:

  • Rear-end collisions – A fatigued truck driver might not notice that traffic ahead has slowed or stopped. This can lead to the truck crashing into the vehicle in front of it. Even at low speeds, rear-end truck collisions can cause severe injuries.
  • Jackknife accidents – If a truck driver loses control of a semi-truck due to fatigue, the trailer can swing out to the side and form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This is known as jackknifing. It can happen when a drowsy driver brakes suddenly or loses focus, causing the trailer to skid.
  • Rollover accidents – Sleep-deprived truck drivers are more likely to misjudge curves or turns, which can cause their trucks to tip over. Rollovers are particularly dangerous because rolling trucks can crush other vehicles and spill their cargo, creating additional road hazards and triggering secondary accidents.
  • Head-on collisions – A truck driver who falls asleep at the wheel might drift into oncoming traffic and cause a head-on collision with a vehicle heading in the opposite direction. Head-on collisions often result in fatalities or life-threatening injuries.
  • Side-impact collisions – These crashes, also known as T-bone accidents, occur when fatigued truck drivers fail to stop at intersections and crash into the sides of other vehicles. The impact of a large truck hitting the side of a smaller car can cause catastrophic injuries.

Federal Regulations on Truck Driver Fatigue

Federal hours of service (HOS) regulations aim to prevent truck driver fatigue and improve road safety. HOS regulations dictate how long truck drivers can be on duty and how much rest they must take. Here are some key points of the federal HOS regulations: 

  • 11-hour driving limit – Truck drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  • 14-hour duty limit – Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. On-duty hours include driving time and any other time spent on work-related tasks, such as loading or unloading cargo.
  • 30-minute break requirement – Drivers must take 30-minute breaks after eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
  • 60/70-hour limit – Drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in eight consecutive days.
  • 34-hour restart – Drivers can reset weekly driving limits by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty. This restart must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure adequate nighttime rest. 

How to Prove Fatigue in Truck Accident Cases

Unlike alcohol or drug intoxication, there is no chemical test for fatigue. As a result, lawyers must use various types of evidence to prove fatigue in drowsy driving truck wreck cases, including: 

  • Driver log books
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) records
  • Surveillance footage
  • Witness statements
  • GPS data
  • Cell phone records
  • Medical records
  • Vehicle maintenance records
  • Employment records
  • Accident reconstruction reports
  • Truck stop records 

Why You Need Our Law Firm After a Crash with a Tired Trucker 

Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has over 30 years of experience helping truck accident victims like you. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. You can count on us to demand full compensation for you. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about what our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers can do for you.