Driver Fatigue and Truck Accidents in Colorado Springs: A Hidden Epidemic
Many truckers are pushing past their limits with increasing pressure to meet delivery deadlines and cover long distances. The result? A quiet but deadly threat on our roads: driver fatigue.
In Colorado Springs and along I-25, fatigued truck driver accidents are on the rise. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially when a fully loaded 80,000-pound big rig collides with a smaller passenger vehicle.
Understanding how federal rest regulations apply and how violations may support a negligence claim is critical for victims who are seeking justice.
The Hazards of Drowsy Driving in the Trucking Industry
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents across the U.S. and in Colorado. Long hours behind the wheel, irregular sleep patterns, and pressure to meet delivery schedules all contribute to drowsy driving.
Fatigue impairs a driver’s:
- Reaction time
- Decision-making
- Awareness of hazards
- Ability to stay in lane
Unfortunately, fatigue isn’t as easy to prove as texting or drunk driving.
Federal Rest Regulations and Hours of Service Laws
To combat the dangers of driver fatigue, the federal government enforces strict hours of service (HOS) laws that apply to commercial truck drivers. These federal rest regulations are designed to ensure drivers have adequate sleep and breaks between long hauls.
The current HOS rules require:
- Maximum of 11 driving hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour on-duty limit in a single workday
- 30-minute rest break after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour limit in 7/8 consecutive days, depending on company policy
These regulations apply to most truck drivers operating in interstate commerce. When violated, they can be a key factor in proving negligence in a truck accident case.
How HOS Violations Can Support a Negligence Claim
When a fatigued truck driver accident occurs, and there’s evidence that the driver exceeded allowed hours or falsified logs, this can be powerful ammunition in a personal injury claim.
In Colorado, a violation of federal law can establish negligence per se, meaning the violation itself proves wrongdoing. Examples of negligence due to HOS violations include:
- Driving beyond the legal limit without rest
- Failing to take required breaks
- Failure to use electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Pressured driving when a company incentivizes or forces drivers to break the law
Proving these violations requires a deep understanding of trucking operations, federal laws, and evidence collection. This is something a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling truck accident claims can provide.
Evidence of Trucker Fatigue
If you want to hold trucking companies and drivers accountable, it’s essential to move quickly and secure vital evidence. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., investigates every angle of a drowsy driving trucking case by collecting specific evidence.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Since 2017, most commercial trucks must be equipped with ELDs that automatically record driving hours. We examine this data to uncover illegal driving patterns or break violations.
Driver Logbooks
Even with ELDs, some companies still maintain manual logs. Discrepancies between logs and other data (GPS, fuel receipts) can indicate intentional fraud.
Dispatch and Delivery Records
Delivery schedules can reveal unreasonable timelines that forced a driver to operate without rest.
Surveillance and Dash Cam Footage
Videos showing a driver’s behavior leading up to the crash—such as swerving, blinking excessively, or nodding off—can help prove fatigue.
Medical and Employment Records
We also look for past sleep disorders, medications that induce drowsiness, or a history of HOS violations by the driver or company.
The Risk for Colorado Drivers
With major freight routes like I-25 and Highway 24 running through El Paso County, local drivers are regularly exposed to the dangers of overworked truckers.
Take Colorado’s additional factors into account—such as unpredictable weather, winding mountain roads, and traffic congestion—and the risks only multiply.
Every year, victims of fatigued truck driver accidents often suffer life-altering injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Severe burns and scarring
- Psychological trauma
Steps to Take When a Big Rig Crashes Into Your Car
If you were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, here’s what you can do to protect your health and strengthen an injury claim.
- Call 911. Always report the accident to authorities.
- Seek Medical Attention. Even if injuries seem minor, they may worsen.
- Document Everything. Take photos of the crash, vehicle damage, the truck’s company name, and road conditions.
- Do Not Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance. They are not on your side.
- Contact a Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately. The sooner an investigation begins, the better your chances of recovering critical evidence.
Why Choose The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.?
Colorado Springs truck accident attorney Timothy Bussey brings over 30 years of legal experience to every case. Mr. Bussey has been highly rated by Martindale-Hubbell and the Litigation Counsel of America.
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we:
- Launch immediate investigations into HOS and fatigue-related violations.
- Secure and preserve vital trucking data before it’s lost.
- Work with accident reconstructionists and FMCSA experts.
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
- Prepare every case for trial to ensure the highest possible settlement or verdict.
If you’ve been injured in a fatigued truck driver accident, we have the knowledge, resources, and commitment to hold negligent parties accountable.
Speak With an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Colorado
Time is critical in any truck crash investigation, especially when federal rest regulations may have been violated. Don’t let evidence slip away or allow trucking companies to shift the blame to someone else.
Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., today at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you win.
