Fatigue and Truck Driver Accidents
Fatigue is a dangerous and common cause of trucking accidents in Alberta. Long hours, tight delivery schedules, and company pressure push drivers beyond safe limits — and a moment of drowsiness in a 40-tonne semi-truck can cause widespread devastation.
Despite strict hours-of-service regulations, fatigue-related crashes are frequent on Alberta's highways. Profit often takes priority over safety, leaving victims to suffer the consequences.
As Alberta truck accident lawyers, we've seen how fatigue cases unfold and how companies attempt to conceal violations. This guide explains how fatigue causes accidents, the legal stance on driver rest, and how to prove liability if exhaustion contributed to a crash.
This guide explains:
What Is Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue is physical and mental exhaustion that reduces alertness, slows reaction time, and impairs decision-making. Causes include long hours, night driving, lack of sleep, poor rest conditions, or company pressure to meet unrealistic delivery targets.
Common signs of truck driver fatigue include:
How Fatigue Causes Truck Accidents
Fatigue-related accidents are rarely due to one mistake — they're the result of systemic issues in the trucking industry. When a driver is overtired, their ability to judge distance, react quickly, and make safe decisions deteriorates dramatically.
Slowing Reaction Time
Making it impossible to brake in time to avoid collisions.
Reducing Attention and Focus
Over long distances, leading to missed hazards.
Causing Lane Departures
Veering into oncoming traffic or off the road.
Increasing Risk-Taking Behavior
Speeding or tailgating due to impaired judgment.
Creating Confusion
Delayed perception at intersections or when merging.
Complete Loss of Consciousness
Microsleep episodes behind the wheel.
Research shows that being awake for 18+ hours produces similar effects to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. Fatigue can be as dangerous as alcohol impairment.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
Your actions immediately after a truck accident can protect your health and preserve crucial evidence.
Call 911
Report the collision. Ensure police document the scene.
Seek immediate medical care
Even mild head or neck injuries can worsen over time.
Take photos
Of the vehicles, debris, and road layout.
Obtain truck details
Company name, license plate, and trailer number.
Collect witness names
And contact information.
Request the police report number
For future reference.
Avoid recorded statements
With any insurer.
Contact an Alberta truck accident lawyer quickly
To preserve driver logs and black box data before they're altered or deleted.
How a Lawyer Proves Fatigue in a Truck Accident Case
An experienced truck accident lawyer gathers and analyzes complex data to show how fatigue caused the crash:
Reviewing Driver Logs
For inconsistencies or falsification.
Comparing Black Box Data
With delivery schedules to show violations.
Obtaining Dispatch Communications
Showing company pressure on drivers.
Consulting Accident Reconstruction and Fatigue Experts
To establish causation and negligence.
Collecting Medical Records
Showing sleep deprivation symptoms.
Demonstrating Industry-Standard Violations
Through expert testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Fatigue behind the wheel of a semi-truck is not an accident — it's negligence. Every carrier and driver has a legal duty to follow rest rules and keep Alberta's roads safe. When they don't, victims pay the price.
Get medical care immediately
Preserve all records and photos
Avoid insurer contact
Contact an experienced lawyer early
Need help after your crash? Reach out now — no fee unless we win.
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.