All Types of Commercial Truck Accidents We Handle
Driver Fatigue — The #1 Cause of Trucking Accidents
Commercial truck drivers are 10 times more likely to be fatigued than passenger vehicle drivers. Despite federal hours of service regulations, the economic pressure to meet delivery deadlines pushes many drivers to operate beyond safe limits. Our attorneys prove fatigue through ELD data, GPS records, and driver qualification files.
When a trucking company pressured a fatigued driver to continue driving — a practice documented by dispatcher records and communications — the company bears significant additional liability beyond the driver's individual negligence.
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Free Evaluation →Frequently Asked Questions
What types of commercial trucks are involved in trucking accidents?
Commercial trucking accidents involve 18-wheelers (semi-trucks), dump trucks, cement mixers, tanker trucks (fuel, chemicals), flatbed trucks, refrigerated trucks (reefers), garbage trucks, box trucks, and oversized/overweight loads. Each type has specific regulations, hazards, and liability considerations.
Are trucking accident cases governed by federal or state law?
Both. Interstate trucking is governed by federal FMCSA regulations, which set minimum standards for driver hours, vehicle maintenance, drug testing, and insurance. State law governs the negligence claims and damages. Our attorneys leverage both federal violations and state negligence law to build the strongest possible case.
How do commercial drivers get fatigued if there are HOS rules?
Despite HOS rules, fatigue remains rampant because: (1) drivers falsify logs, (2) economic pressure from companies or independent schedules leads to pushing limits, (3) the HOS rules themselves allow 11 hours of continuous driving which many safety experts consider too long, and (4) poor sleep quality during rest periods doesn't provide adequate recovery.
Can I get the trucking company's maintenance records?
Yes. Through the litigation discovery process, our attorneys compel production of all maintenance records, inspection reports, repair orders, and safety violation histories. FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain these records, and we use them to prove negligent vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident.
