Trucking accidents are among the most devastating crashes on the road, often leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. One of the most common-and preventable-causes is truck driver fatigue. Long hours behind the wheel, tight delivery schedules, and lack of rest contribute to dangerous conditions for everyone on the road. At Kelleher Law, we represent trucking accident victims in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, and Roswell, Georgia, helping them pursue justice when driver fatigue plays a role.
Why Truck Driver Fatigue Is So Dangerous
Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs:
- Reaction times
- Attention and focus
- Judgment and decision-making
- Ability to respond to unexpected hazards
When an 80,000-pound truck is involved, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations
To reduce fatigue-related accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for truck drivers, including:
- A maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A 14-hour limit for total on-duty time per shift
- Mandatory 30-minute breaks during long driving periods
- Weekly limits on driving hours to ensure adequate rest
Unfortunately, some drivers and trucking companies ignore these rules, falsify logbooks, or pressure drivers to keep driving to meet deadlines.
Proving Fatigue in Truck Accident Cases
Establishing fatigue as a factor in a trucking accident requires careful investigation. Evidence may include:
- Driver logbooks and electronic logging device (ELD) data
- GPS and black box records
- Dispatch schedules and delivery deadlines
- Witness statements about driver behavior before the crash
- Compensation for Fatigue-Related Trucking Accidents
Victims may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care or rehabilitation
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
Why Victims Need a Trucking Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies and insurers fight hard to deny fatigue-related claims. At Kelleher Law, we:
- Subpoena driver logs and ELD data
- Work with accident reconstruction and trucking safety experts
- Challenge false records and expose HOS violations
- Negotiate aggressively for fair settlements-or go to trial if necessary
Serving Victims in Florida and Georgia
Whether your trucking accident occurred on I-75 in Fort Myers, US-41 in Naples, or GA-400 in Roswell, Kelleher Law is here to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable.
