Truck Driver Fatigue

FMCSA Regulations for Rest & Sleep

Hours-of-service regulations imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on truck drivers include:

• Drivers must work no more than 70 hours per week unless they rest for 34 consecutive hours, including at least two nights between 1 and 5 a.m.
• Drivers must take a 30-minute break during the first eight hours of a shift
• Truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours per day and cannot work more than 14 hours per day in total

Although these rules differ slightly depending on the type of driver and the vehicle, all commercial truck drivers are required to accurately record all work hours and rest time. While many truck drivers are required to manually record their hours in a log, some vehicles have an electronic on-board recording device.

Who Is Liable in Fatigued Driver-Related Truck Accidents?

Failure to follow federal hours-of-service regulations may constitute negligence on the part of the driver. In other cases, if the driver’s employer has demanded driving beyond safe hours-of-service limits, the company itself can be held liable. Either way, when hours-of-service violations lead to serious accidents, victims are within their rights to recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages.

Speak to Our Dedicated Legal Team Today

At The Voorhies Law Firm, we believe that there is no substitute for experience. Our New Orleans truck accident lawyers have the experience that counts, including prior experience defending insurance companies. Simply put, we know how the other side works and what tactics they commonly employ to try to reduce the value of a claim.

Working with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference between a favorable outcome and an unfair and unjust settlement. Because we are passionate about fighting for victims’ rights, you can be completely confident that we will aggressively pursue justice for your case.