Fatigued Truck Drivers in Channelview Accidents

People talk a lot about drunk driving and texting while driving. These behaviors are dangerous, but you might be surprised to know that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous. Fatigued truck drivers in Channelview accidents have the same delayed reaction time, lack of control, and lack of coordination as drivers experiencing other impairments. If a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, they can completely lose control of the vehicle, making collisions all but inevitable.

Fatigue is a significant factor in many wrecks, especially those involving truckers. If you have been injured in a collision with a fatigued truck driver, consulting a commercial vehicle accident attorney with experience in these cases can help you protect your rights.

Understanding Trucker Fatigue

Exhaustion is the norm for most truckers. Truck drivers must remain mentally alert for hours at a time, easily driving hundreds of miles each day. Dealing with monotony combined with high levels of stress becomes their everyday experience. Combining that with detours, tight schedules, and nasty road conditions, it is easy to see why fatigued truckers in Channelview contribute to so many accidents.

In addition to federal law, Texas Transportation Code § 644.152 requires drivers to comply with hours-of-service regulations. These laws are supposed to ensure that drivers are well-rested by limiting truckers to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, requiring mandatory breaks and rest periods, and setting a minimum of 34 consecutive hours off duty each week.

While the laws rely on self-reporting, the self-reporting requirements are more stringent than many people realize. Truck drivers must log their hours of driving and rest. Some use written logs, but many companies have moved to electronic logging devices (ELDs), which makes it more difficult for truckers to change or falsify the logs. In addition to logs, lawyers may look at gas receipts, toll receipts, and more to demonstrate that a trucker violated those restrictions when proving that fatigued driving contributed to a Channelview truck accident.

Drug Use and Trucker Fatigue

The trucking industry faces a troubling reality: some drivers rely on substances to stay awake and alert during long hauls. These substances range from over-the-counter medications to prescription drugs and even illegal narcotics. Regardless of legality, these substances can impair judgment, slow reflexes, and increase the risk of accidents.

For many truckers, caffeine is the go-to choice to maintain alertness on the road. While moderate consumption is generally safe, excessive use of caffeine pills, energy drinks, or similar products can lead to caffeine jitters, which may affect a driver’s ability to operate safely. Unfortunately, some drivers turn to more powerful and dangerous stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines. These illegal substances not only carry significant health risks but can also lead to unpredictable behavior behind the wheel.

On the other end of the spectrum, truckers may also use substances to help them sleep after exhausting shifts. Over-the-counter sleep aids or alcohol are common choices, and while they may be effective in moderation, their effects can linger, impairing a driver’s reflexes even after they wake up.

In Texas, operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol that impairs driving ability is strictly prohibited under Texas Penal Code § 49.04. While the legal blood alcohol limit is .08, any detectable level of impairment—whether from alcohol, medications, or drugs—can be considered negligence. In the aftermath of a Channelview truck accident caused by fatigue, toxicology screenings are critical to determining whether substance use played a role in the crash.

Talk to a Lawyer After a Fatigued Truck Driving Accident in Channelview

If you suspect fatigue contributed to your accident, an in-depth investigation may be necessary to uncover the critical evidence that supports your claim. This proof can help you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you or a loved one has been affected by fatigued truck drivers in Channelview accidents, you want to act to preserve your rights. An experienced attorney can investigate your case, identify liable parties, and help you seek fair compensation. Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.