Truck Driver Fatigue and Federal Violations
Fatigued truck drivers cause serious crashes.
At The Paul Powell Law Firm, our team of truck accident attorneys understand the devastating impact that truck driver fatigue and federal violations can have on victims and their families. Trucking companies have rules and regulations that are in place to protect drivers from excessive routes and to ensure the safety of all the passengers on the road who drive alongside their fleets all across the country. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Dangers of Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents across Nevada and the United States. Long hours on the road, inadequate rest, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines often lead drivers to operate vehicles while dangerously tired. Fatigue impairs reaction time, decision-making, and overall awareness, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic crashes. Our truck accident attorneys investigate whether Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations contributed to your accident.
Federal Trucking Regulations and Violations
Commercial truck drivers and their employers are subject to strict regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern driving hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo handling, and more. Violations such as falsified driver logs, poorly maintained trucks, and inadequate training can all lead to serious truck accidents. Our legal team examines these factors to determine liability and build a strong case.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Builds Your Case
Our truck accident attorneys work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and regulatory specialists to uncover every detail of your case. We gather evidence, including electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness statements. This comprehensive approach ensures we present a compelling argument for compensation.
We pursue compensation for:
Medical Expenses
Lost Wages
Reduced Earning Capacity
Pain and Suffering
Property Damage
In cases involving gross negligence, we may also seek punitive damages. Our goal is to ensure you receive the maximum recovery possible under Nevada law.
Why Choose the Paul Powell Law Firm
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. With millions recovered for truck accident victims across Nevada, The Paul Powell Law Firm is a trusted name in personal injury law. We have extensive experience handling cases involving truck driver fatigue and federal violations, and we understand the nuances of Nevada’s legal landscape.
We recommend that you file your case as soon as possible to avoid the statute of limitations for accident cases in Nevada, to make sure you have the best opportunity to get the compensation you deserve.
Over $250 million recovered for injury victims
More than 75 verdicts or settlements of $1 million+
We never take more than our clients—More Lawyer. Less Fee.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
- Get medical care, and consider going to the emergency room —even if you feel okay
- Document the scene and vehicle damage
- Avoid speaking to trucking company reps
- Contact a lawyer before talking to insurers
These steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Our truck accident attorney team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by driver fatigue or regulatory violations, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our truck accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and outline the best path forward. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Federal Hours-of-Service regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty, a maximum 14-hour workday from the start of the shift, a mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and a maximum 60-70 hours on duty within a 7-8 day period. Drivers must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their hours. Violations of these HOS regulations are a leading cause of truck driver fatigue accidents and can establish negligence in your case.Federal Hours-of-Service regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty, a maximum 14-hour workday from the start of the shift, a mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and a maximum 60-70 hours on duty within a 7-8 day period. Drivers must use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their hours. Violations of these HOS regulations are a leading cause of truck driver fatigue accidents and can establish negligence in your case.
A truck accident attorney can prove driver fatigue by obtaining electronic logging device (ELD) data showing hours driven, reviewing driver logbooks for falsification or violations, analyzing the trucking company’s dispatch records showing pressure to meet deadlines, examining phone and GPS records showing continuous driving, investigating the driver’s schedule in days leading up to the crash, consulting with fatigue experts who can explain warning signs, and reviewing accident reconstruction showing failure to brake or react. Trucking companies often destroy this evidence quickly, so prompt legal action is essential.
Yes, trucking companies can be held liable for truck driver fatigue accidents in multiple ways. They may be directly liable for encouraging or allowing drivers to violate Hours-of-Service regulations, failing to monitor ELD data for violations, setting unrealistic delivery schedules that pressure drivers to skip rest, and inadequate policies to prevent fatigued driving. They may also be vicariously liable for their driver’s negligence. Our truck accident lawyers investigate both driver and company conduct to maximize compensation.Yes, trucking companies can be held liable for truck driver fatigue accidents in multiple ways. They may be directly liable for encouraging or allowing drivers to violate Hours-of-Service regulations, failing to monitor ELD data for violations, setting unrealistic delivery schedules that pressure drivers to skip rest, and inadequate policies to prevent fatigued driving. They may also be vicariously liable for their driver’s negligence. Our truck accident lawyers investigate both driver and company conduct to maximize compensation.