Traffic accidents involving large commercial vehicles can inflict significant damage on smaller cars and their occupants. While many motorists might expect that professional truck drivers have the expertise to avoid a crash, there are actually a number of factors that may contribute to the likelihood of truck accidents.

The IIHS reports 4,014 deaths in large truck accidents for the year 2020, with fatigue being a known factor in a considerable number of incidents. Understanding the relevance of fatigue in vehicle crashes can help you defend your case if you experience a truck-driving accident yourself.

What role does fatigue play in vehicle accidents?

Fatigue and drowsiness can affect one’s driving similarly to intoxication or distractions. Fatigued drivers exhibit slower response times, inattentiveness and poor judgment. When operating a vehicle moving at high speeds, any one of these effects of fatigue can lead to a crash in situations where everything hinges on a snap decision.

How common is fatigue among truck drivers?

Federal regulations allow commercial vehicle operators to drive for up to 11 hours in a stretch. Individuals who choose to meet this limit are susceptible to fatigue and exhaustion from overwork, all the more so for any who choose to violate the 11-hour limitation.

Commercial truck drivers tend to work for long hours performing a task that is at the same time monotonous and requires intense focus. If you experience a truck driving accident, you and your legal team may investigate the possibility of fatigue when building a case to defend your claim for compensation.