Posted on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Truck crashes involving large commercial vehicles remain a significant threat on Utah’s roads. In 2020 and 2021 alone, over 1,000 injuries were reported in large truck collisions across the state. One of the most dangerous—and preventable—causes of these crashes is truck driver fatigue.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident caused by a drowsy driver, understanding how fatigue affects liability, what federal and state laws apply, and how to recover damages is crucial.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck drivers face immense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Many work long hours with inadequate rest, which leads to:
- Sleep deprivation
- Poor sleep quality
- Health conditions like sleep apnea
- Medication use
- Stress and mental fatigue
Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and alertness—similar to driving under the influence. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore warning signs due to industry pressure.
Federal Regulations: Hours of Service (HOS)
To curb fatigue-related accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules. These regulations limit how long a driver can operate before resting.
Key HOS rules include:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Only after 10 hours off-duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: No driving after 14 consecutive hours on duty.
- 30-Minute Break Rule: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Max 60 hours in 7 days or 70 in 8 days.
Violating these regulations is not only a safety risk—it may be grounds for legal liability.
Read more on FMCSA rules: FMCSA Hours of Service Overview
Who Is Liable for a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims are complex. Liability may fall on:
1. The Truck Driver
If the driver knowingly violated HOS rules or ignored signs of fatigue, they may be held personally liable.
2. The Trucking Company
Companies can be responsible if they:
- Pressured drivers to exceed HOS limits
- Ignored driver medical conditions
- Failed to properly train or supervise
- Encouraged falsifying logbooks
- Neglected truck maintenance
Under vicarious liability, companies are often responsible for their employees’ negligence.
3. Third Parties
Depending on the facts, others may share fault:
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance contractors
- Vehicle or part manufacturers
- Government agencies (for unsafe road conditions)
Proving Truck Driver Fatigue in a Personal Injury Claim
Evidence is key. A skilled attorney can gather:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
- Black box and GPS records
- Driver logs and receipts
- Witness statements
- Medical and sleep disorder records
- Maintenance logs and dispatch notes
- Expert testimony from accident reconstructionists
These tools help establish that fatigue—not just bad luck—caused the crash.
Common Injuries from Fatigued Driving Crashes
Fatigue-related truck crashes often cause catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injury and paralysis
- Severe burns or amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken bones and long-term disability
Such injuries often result in long-term care, lost income, and significant pain and suffering.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death and funeral expenses
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
Utah Law and Comparative Fault
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Utah Code § 78B-5-818. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation—though it will be reduced by your share of the blame.
That’s why having a legal advocate on your side matters: proving the other party’s majority fault is essential.
Why Choose London Harker Injury Law
Truck accident cases require deep experience with complex liability laws and federal trucking regulations. The attorneys at London Harker Injury Law offer:
- Thorough accident investigation
- Evidence collection from ELDs and black boxes
- Expert witnesses and accident reconstruction
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready litigation when needed
We’ve helped Utah families recover after tragic accidents caused by negligent or overworked truck drivers. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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Get Help After a Fatigue-Related Truck Crash
If you suspect driver fatigue played a role in your crash, contact London Harker Injury Law today for a free consultation. We can help investigate, prove liability, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
