Why Driver Fatigue Puts Everyone on Tennessee Roads at Risk
When you pass an 18-wheeler on a Tennessee interstate, you might assume the driver behind the wheel is well-rested and alert. After all, truck drivers are required by law to follow strict hours of service rules that limit how long they can drive without a break. Unfortunately, the reality is that fatigue remains one of the top reasons for serious and deadly truck crashes across Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee.
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these accidents. Tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks weigh many times more than a passenger car. When a tired trucker makes a mistake or is unable to react in time, the consequences can be catastrophic for innocent people sharing the road.
If you were hit by a commercial truck and suspect driver fatigue played a role, you need to know your rights. Insurance companies that represent large trucking fleets work hard to protect their bottom line, often by trying to deny or minimize claims. Having an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
How Truck Driver Fatigue Leads to Serious Wrecks
Driving while tired is dangerous for anyone. It slows reaction times, affects judgment, and increases the chance of missing hazards. For truck drivers operating vehicles that can weigh 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, fatigue is even more concerning.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is a factor in thousands of crashes each year. Truckers are particularly vulnerable to drowsiness due to their long hours on the road, tight delivery deadlines, and irregular sleep schedules. Although federal regulations limit most truckers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, some drivers and trucking companies circumvent these rules to meet demanding schedules.
Fatigue can show up in many ways behind the wheel, such as:
- Drifting between lanes or over the center line
- Slower braking and delayed reactions to stopped traffic
- Missing traffic signals or failing to yield
- Falling asleep entirely and losing control of the rig
Any one of these errors can cause a devastating crash. Smaller vehicles stand little chance in a collision with a fully loaded tractor-trailer.
Why Trucking Companies May Be Liable for Fatigue-Related Crashes
It is not just individual drivers who bear responsibility. Trucking companies can be held accountable if they encourage or allow unsafe practices that lead to fatigued driving. Some examples include:
- Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
- Paying by the mile, which may tempt drivers to skip rest breaks
- Failing to monitor logs or electronic records that show driving hours
- Neglecting to train drivers on safe hours-of-service practices
In some cases, we uncover evidence that drivers falsified their logbooks or that the company ignored clear signs of fatigue. These details are critical in proving liability and holding trucking companies accountable for putting profits over safety.
What to Do If You Suspect a Truck Driver Was Drowsy
After a crash with a large truck, the cause may not be obvious. Trucking companies and their insurers often arrive at the scene quickly to start building a defense. They may try to point the finger at you or claim other factors were to blame.
That is why it is so important to get an experienced truck accident lawyer involved as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we launch an immediate investigation to look for evidence of fatigue. This might include:
- Reviewing hours-of-service logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Checking receipts, GPS records, and delivery times to see if the driver exceeded allowed hours
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the truck swerving or drifting
- Examining dash camera footage or nearby surveillance video
- Looking into the company’s track record for past violations
The sooner this work begins, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, and memories fade. By acting quickly, we can build a strong case that demonstrates how driver fatigue contributed to your crash.
The True Cost of Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue
When a tired truck driver causes a collision, the injuries are often severe. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or internal injuries that require long hospital stays and months of rehabilitation. Families may also face the tragedy of losing a loved one because a trucking company failed to enforce safe driving practices.
Insurance companies will try to limit payouts by arguing you were partly to blame or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Attorney Eric Beasley knows these tactics well. He has spent over 25 years holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. Our firm builds thorough cases that withstand scrutiny, enabling us to demand the full compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care.
Talk to a Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer Who Will Fight for You
Fatigued truck drivers are a danger to everyone on Tennessee roads. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a tired trucker, you should not have to face the aftermath alone. Truck accident cases are complicated, and trucking companies have powerful lawyers on their side. You deserve someone equally determined to fight for you.
At the Law Office of Eric Beasley, we are known for taking tough cases and seeing them through. We know how to investigate truck crashes, uncover critical evidence of fatigue, and build cases that insurance companies take seriously. If needed, we are always prepared to take your case to trial.
Do not wait to get answers. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer. We are ready to help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
"Eric and his team are amazing and helped us out so much! If we ever need him again, we will definitely call!" — Stephanie W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐