Serious Truck Accidents Are Caused by Driver Fatigue and Distraction

 Posted on March 21, 2026 in Truck Accidents

Being hurt in a serious truck accident can change your life in an instant. The injuries are often severe, the recovery is long, and the financial pressure can feel overwhelming. When a crash happens because a truck driver was too tired to react or too distracted to pay attention, that is not just an accident. It is negligence, and whoever is responsible should be held accountable.

According to the FMCSA's Large Truck Crash Causation Study, 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of a serious crash. Distraction and inattention also rank among the top driver-related factors in fatal truck crashes.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident and needs to seek compensation in 2026, a Chicago, IL truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Does Driver Fatigue Cause Truck Accidents?

Fatigue makes it harder to think clearly, react quickly, and stay focused. For a driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck, even a few seconds of slowed reaction time can cause a catastrophic crash. A tired driver may drift out of their lane, miss a red light, or fail to brake in time.

Federal law addresses this directly. Under 49 CFR Part 395, the FMCSA's Hours of Service regulations limit how long a truck driver can be on the road without rest. Drivers can only drive 11 hours after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must also take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving. When trucking companies push drivers to skip rest breaks or meet unrealistic deadlines, they put everyone on the road in danger.

What Are the Signs That a Truck Driver Was Fatigued Before a Crash?

Fatigue leaves evidence, and an experienced attorney knows where to look. Key signs that a truck driver may have been fatigued include:

• Electronic logging device records showing the driver exceeded Hours of Service limits

• GPS and fleet tracking data showing the truck was on the road longer than legally allowed

• No skid marks at the scene, suggesting the driver did not brake in time

• Witness accounts of the truck drifting or swerving before the crash

• Dashcam footage showing erratic driving before the impact

This evidence can disappear quickly. Trucking companies are not always motivated to keep records that show their driver was breaking the law. An attorney can send a formal legal notice requiring the company to preserve all relevant evidence before it is deleted or overwritten.

How Does Distraction Cause Serious Truck Accidents?

Distraction is just as dangerous as fatigue behind the wheel of a large truck. A distracted driver may be looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, eating, or simply not paying attention to the road. At highway speeds, a distraction that lasts only a few seconds can lead to a deadly crash.

Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, commercial drivers are held to strict standards when it comes to distracted driving, and even using a handheld mobile device while operating a commercial vehicle is prohibited. Violations of this rule can support a negligence claim against both the driver and the trucking company.

Can the Trucking Company Be Held Responsible for a Distracted Truck Driver?

Trucking companies have a legal duty to make sure their drivers follow Hours of Service rules and safe driving practices. If a company sets unrealistic delivery schedules, fails to check whether drivers are following the rules, or ignores warning signs of fatigue or distraction, it can be held responsible for the crash.

Illinois law also allows injured people to seek compensation from employers for the negligent actions of their employees. That means you may be able to file a claim against the trucking company directly, not just the driver.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Illinois?

A serious truck accident can affect every part of your life. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and permanent disability.

In cases where a trucking company acted recklessly or knowingly broke safety rules, punitive damages may also be available. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer on top of compensating you for your losses.

Illinois does not limit compensatory damages in personal injury cases. That means there is no preset cap on what you can recover based on the true cost of your injuries.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago, IL Truck Accident Attorneys

When a truck accident turns your life upside down, you need a team with the experience and resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, our attorneys bring a combined 150 years of legal experience to every case we handle. We know how these cases are built and how to find the evidence that matters. We are committed to fighting hard for every client we represent.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident in Illinois, contact our Chicago, IL truck accident lawyer today. Call 312-605-8800 to schedule a free consultation. 

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