Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous — and underestimated — causes of truck accidents. In a fast-paced industry where long hours and tight deadlines are the norm, fatigued truck drivers can become a serious hazard on Austin’s highways. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash and suspect the truck driver was too tired to drive safely, it’s time to speak with an Austin truck wreck attorney.
At Slingshot Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be, especially when fatigue plays a role. Here’s what you need to know about drowsy truck driving, how it impacts your personal injury claim, and what steps an attorney can take to protect your rights.
Why Drowsy Driving Is So Dangerous
Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces focus — all critical abilities for truck drivers navigating heavy loads through traffic. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has identified fatigue as a contributing factor in thousands of commercial vehicle crashes each year.
Unlike typical car drivers, commercial truck operators are subject to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations designed to limit how long they can drive without rest. Unfortunately, many drivers — under pressure from employers or financial incentives — violate these rules, putting everyone around them at risk.
Signs That Fatigue May Have Caused the Crash
If you were involved in a crash with a large truck in Austin, there may be signs indicating the driver was too tired to be on the road, including:
- Swerving or drifting between lanes
- Delayed braking before impact
- Lack of skid marks or attempts to avoid the crash
- The crash occurring late at night or early in the morning
- Driver admission of fatigue or long hours
An experienced Austin truck wreck attorney knows how to investigate these clues and look deeper into what the driver was doing before the crash.
How an Attorney Can Prove Driver Fatigue
Proving drowsy driving isn’t always straightforward. Trucking companies often push back, deny responsibility, or even alter records to avoid liability. That’s where legal experience makes a difference.
When you work with Slingshot Law, we conduct a thorough investigation to uncover evidence of driver fatigue, including:
- Logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs): These show how many hours the driver was on duty and if they violated HOS limits.
- Driver statements: Fatigue is often revealed in post-accident interviews or police reports.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage: May show the truck drifting, slowing without reason, or other signs of impairment.
- Cell phone and GPS records: Help reconstruct the driver’s route and timeline to confirm overwork or lack of rest.
- Medical and toxicology records: Can rule out other causes (like intoxication) and support a fatigue-related theory.
We don’t just stop at the surface — we follow the paper trail and fight to hold the driver and trucking company accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In Texas, liability in a truck accident doesn’t end with the driver. If a drowsy driver caused your injuries, multiple parties may be held financially responsible, including:
- The truck driver, for violating rest regulations or knowingly driving while tired
- The trucking company, for pushing drivers beyond safe limits or ignoring HOS rules
- Dispatchers or logistics companies, if they scheduled unrealistic delivery windows
- A maintenance company, if brake failure or tire blowouts contributed to the crash
Identifying all liable parties helps maximize your recovery. Your attorney’s goal is to uncover every source of compensation available under Texas law.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of drowsy driving truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence by knowingly violating safety rules.
Call an Austin Truck Wreck Attorney Today
If you suspect drowsy driving played a role in your truck wreck, don’t wait to seek legal help. These cases are time-sensitive, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve key evidence.
At Slingshot Law, our team is committed to helping injured victims in Austin take on trucking companies and get the justice they deserve. We understand the trucking industry, the regulations they must follow, and how to uncover the truth behind a crash. Contact us today and let us help you take the next steps.