Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous — and overlooked — factors behind truck accidents. Unlike passenger car drivers, truckers often operate under grueling schedules, long hours, and pressure from employers to meet strict delivery deadlines. When fatigue sets in, the results can be devastating.
In Augusta, Georgia, where heavy truck traffic moves daily along I-20, Bobby Jones Expressway (I-520), and Hwy 25, fatigued truck drivers put local motorists at serious risk. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience representing victims of truck crashes. Our firm is recognized by organizations such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, reflecting both courtroom success and trusted advocacy.
Why Fatigue Is So Dangerous
Driver fatigue affects the body much like alcohol does: slowed reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced attention. According to the FMCSA, fatigue is a factor in 13% of all large-truck accidents nationwide.
In Georgia, the consequences are stark. In 2021, 244 people were killed in truck-related crashes, and fatigue was identified as a leading contributor.
Federal Rules Designed to Prevent Fatigue
To combat drowsy driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules limit how many consecutive hours a driver can remain on the road and require mandatory rest breaks.
For example:
- Truckers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- They cannot drive beyond 60/70 hours in a 7/8-day period.
- Mandatory 30-minute breaks are required after 8 hours of driving.
When drivers or trucking companies violate these rules, they endanger everyone on the road. In Augusta and throughout Georgia, violations often occur on long-haul routes with tight shipping schedules.
Proving Driver Fatigue After a Crash
Fatigue isn’t always obvious, which makes proving it challenging. Attorneys often rely on:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records showing hours driven.
- Black box data revealing sudden braking or speed patterns.
- Shipping schedules or employer records proving unrealistic delivery deadlines.
- Witness testimony from passengers, coworkers, or other drivers.
At Burnside Law Firm, we know how to uncover and preserve this evidence. In fact, acting quickly is essential, since trucking companies may attempt to downplay or erase incriminating records.
Why Burnside Law Firm LLP
Truck accident cases involving fatigue require more than just persistence — they demand attorneys with a proven history of leadership, professional recognition, and community trust.
- Attorneys at Burnside Law Firm have been named to Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite and recognized by Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia.
- Our team includes past presidents of the Augusta Bar Association and active members of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Executive Committee.
- Several of our lawyers are graduates of respected leadership programs such as Leadership Augusta and the GTLA LEAD program, reflecting both professional skill and civic engagement.
- Firm-wide, we have earned recognition in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and hold a long-standing reputation for trial-tested litigation across Georgia.
With offices in Augusta and Athens, and strong ties to the communities we serve, Burnside Law Firm LLP is uniquely positioned to handle complex truck accident claims where fatigue is at issue.
FAQs: Driver Fatigue and Truck Accidents
Q: How common is fatigue in truck accidents?
A: The FMCSA estimates that fatigue contributes to about 1 in 8 large-truck crashes. In Georgia, with 244 truck-related fatalities in 2021, fatigue is among the top causes.
Q: How do attorneys prove a driver was fatigued?
A: Evidence may include ELD records, black box data, fuel receipts, toll records, employer schedules, and even cell phone data showing excessive hours awake. Attorneys may also interview coworkers or subpoena dispatch communications.
Q: Can trucking companies be held responsible for fatigue?
A: Yes. If a company pressures drivers to violate Hours of Service rules, sets unrealistic deadlines, or ignores red flags about driver health and rest, it can share liability.
Q: What damages can victims recover in a fatigue-related truck accident case?
A: Victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in tragic cases, wrongful death damages. Because fatigue-related crashes often cause catastrophic harm, damages can be substantial.
Q: Why should I hire a local Augusta attorney?
A: Truck accident claims in the Augusta Judicial Circuit (Richmond, Columbia, and Burke Counties) often involve aggressive insurers and multiple defendants. A local firm familiar with these courts, judges, and community dynamics gives you a critical advantage.
Takeaway: Fatigue Is Preventable — But Deadly
Driver fatigue is one of the leading contributors to truck accidents, yet it’s also one of the most preventable. Federal rules exist to protect the public, but when they’re ignored, innocent lives are put at risk.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we combine decades of litigation experience, respected state and national recognitions, and strong community leadership to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Augusta or anywhere in Georgia, call Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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