Truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Virginia’s roads, often leaving victims with life-altering injuries or worse. One of the leading — and most preventable — causes of these collisions is truck driver fatigue. At Hilton and Somer, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand the tragic results of exhausted drivers behind the wheel of 80,000-pound vehicles. That’s why we aggressively investigate these cases and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Understanding Truck Driver Fatigue
Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to stay alert, make quick decisions, and react to hazards. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatigue is a contributing factor in approximately 13% of large truck crashes. Long hours on monotonous highways, tight delivery schedules, and pressure from trucking companies can push drivers to stay on the road well beyond safe limits.
Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules
To combat fatigue, the FMCSA enforces Hours-of-Service regulations designed to limit how long commercial truck drivers can be on duty. These rules include:
- A maximum of 11 driving hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A 14-hour limit on total time worked in a day
- A mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
- A 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days
Drivers are required to track their hours in electronic logging devices (ELDs), which are intended to prevent falsification of logs and ensure compliance.
Common Violations in the Trucking Industry
Despite these federal rules, violations are disturbingly common. Some drivers and trucking companies manipulate logs, skip breaks, or ignore mandatory rest periods to meet deadlines and increase profits. In Virginia and nearby states, these violations can be deadly. For example, in 2023, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported 2,256 large truck crashes, many attributed to fatigue and HOS violations.
How Hilton and Somer Investigates Fatigue-Related Accidents
At Hilton and Somer, our legal team works swiftly to secure evidence in truck accident cases. We:
- Analyze ELD data to uncover violations
- Examine driver logs, GPS records, and fuel receipts
- Review surveillance footage and dash cam videos
- Consult accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Investigate whether the trucking company pressured the driver to work beyond legal limits
We also look into a company’s history of safety violations through the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) to show patterns of negligence.
Fighting for Full Compensation
Victims of fatigued truck driver accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. These cases often involve powerful trucking companies and insurers, but our attorneys have the experience and determination to hold them accountable.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury, don’t go through it alone. Help is available today. Get in touch with the Personal Injury Attorneys at Hilton & Somer, LLC today to discuss your case with one of our Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C. Attorneys. You can contact us toll-free at (703) 560-0700.
References:
https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/safety/crash-data
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/research-and-analysis/research/large-truck-crash-causation-study
