Truck Driver Fatigue
When a truck driver pushes through exhaustion and puts others in harm’s way, the results can be devastating. A fully loaded semi, controlled by someone who’s too tired to react, can destroy lives in a matter of seconds. Families are left with overwhelming medical bills, life-changing injuries, or the tragic loss of a loved one. These crashes don’t just happen, they are preventable, and they often trace back to poor decisions made by drivers and the companies that put them on the road. That’s where a truck accident attorney comes in. An attorney experienced in these cases understands how to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties fully accountable and won’t be intimidated when those at fault attempt to shift blame.
Iowa Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer
McCarthy & Hamrock represents people injured in commercial truck accidents due to truck driver fatigue in Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the state of Iowa. Call our firm at 515-279-9700 to request a free consultation to discuss your injuries and potential claims for compensation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay us any legal fees. Instead, our firm gets a percentage of the settlement or verdict or “contingency fee” upon achieving a victory in your case. Learn more about the key information for victims and their families about truck accidents caused by driver fatigue in Iowa. This includes who may be held liable, the types of compensation that may be available, and how a skilled Iowa truck accident attorney can fight to achieve justice and recover the financial support victims deserve.
Overview of Accidents Caused by Truck Driver Fatigue in Iowa
- Why Truck Drivers in Iowa Suffer From Fatigue Behind the Wheel
- Hours of Service Rules
- Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue in Iowa
- Common Injuries Caused by Iowa Truck Accidents from Driver Fatigue
- Who Is Liable in a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident in Iowa
- What an Iowa Truck Accident Fatigue Lawyer Does for Victims
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources
Why Truck Drivers in Iowa Suffer From Fatigue Behind the Wheel
Lack of Proper Sleep — Many truck drivers start shifts without adequate rest. Sleep deprivation impairs focus, memory, and reaction time, increasing the risk of missing signs, drifting lanes, or not reacting to slowed traffic. The FMCSA warns that drowsiness is especially dangerous between midnight–6 a.m. and mid-afternoon, when the body naturally dips.
Long Hours and Tight Schedules — Drivers often work extended hours, pushing physical and mental limits. Even if they follow hours of service rules, the demands of long-haul driving and pressure to meet deadlines can lead them to drive through fatigue.
Irregular Sleep and Sleep Inertia — Drivers who rest in sleeper berths may wake up at odd hours and hit the road immediately, leading to sleep inertia—grogginess and reduced alertness—especially in the first hour after waking.
Poor Diet and Health Habits — Skipping meals, eating greasy fast food, or going to bed overly full or hungry can disrupt sleep and reduce alertness. Over time, poor habits contribute to chronic fatigue, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Drowsy Medications — Common over-the-counter drugs—like cold, allergy, or sleep aids—can cause drowsiness and impair driving, even when used properly. In Iowa, driving under their influence may be considered negligent if it causes a crash.
Quick Fixes Over Real Rest — Drivers often rely on caffeine, loud music, or fresh air to stay awake. These are only short-term boosts. Once serious sleep debt sets in, nothing substitutes for actual rest. Overconfidence in these tricks can lead to riskier driving.
Unhealthy Sleep Environments — Truck stops and sleeper cabs are often noisy, uncomfortable, or feel unsafe, preventing deep, restorative sleep. Even with legal rest hours, poor sleep quality reduces focus and driving ability over time.
Natural Drowsy Times — The body’s circadian rhythm lowers alertness in early mornings and mid-afternoons. For already-fatigued drivers, these dips increase the risk of critical errors or falling asleep at the wheel.
Hours of Service Rules
Hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) set limits on how long commercial drivers can operate to reduce fatigue and improve road safety. Property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a maximum 14-hour window. Passenger-carrying drivers are allowed up to 10 hours of driving after 8 hours off duty, with a 15-hour duty limit. A 30-minute break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Weekly limits restrict driving after 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days. Drivers may split rest using sleeper berths under specific rules. In adverse driving conditions, the allowable time may be extended by up to 2 hours. Short-haul drivers have special exemptions within a 150 air-mile radius. Iowa Code § 321.449 adopts federal HOS regulations from 49 C.F.R. Part 395, requiring commercial drivers to comply unless intrastate exemptions apply.
Types of Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue in Iowa
Rear-End Collisions — One of the most common truck crashes tied to fatigue happens when a truck slams into the back of a car. A tired driver’s reaction time slows down, especially after many hours behind the wheel. Even a one-second delay in noticing stopped or slowing traffic can make the difference between a close call and a deadly collision. Fatigue can also cause brief lapses in attention known as “microsleeps,” where the driver unknowingly dozes off for a few seconds—long enough to miss brake lights ahead and cause a rear-end crash.
Rollover Accidents — Drowsy truck drivers often struggle to stay alert when navigating curves, merging onto ramps, or correcting their steering. Fatigue affects balance and motor skills, making it easy to overcorrect or drift off the road. These actions can shift the trailer’s center of gravity, especially when it’s loaded, and cause the truck to roll over. Fatigued drivers also tend to miss warning signs or underestimate speed on curves, increasing the risk of a rollover on rural Iowa highways or Des Moines bypasses.
Head-On Collisions — Long overnight hauls and lack of rest can cause drivers to lose lane control. A fatigued driver may nod off and drift across the center line into oncoming traffic. In Iowa, head-on collisions often happen on rural two-lane roads where there is little room for error. Fatigue makes it harder for a driver to correct the truck’s path in time, especially at high speeds, which turns these crashes into some of the most fatal.
Underride Crashes — When a car slides underneath the back or side of a semi-truck, the result is often catastrophic. These accidents are more likely when a truck driver is too tired to properly signal, slow down, or judge gaps in traffic. Fatigue dulls a driver’s sense of spacing and timing. If a trucker suddenly slows down or turns without warning, trailing vehicles can crash directly under the trailer, often crushing the passenger compartment.
Jackknife Accidents — Fatigue can lead to sudden braking, especially if the driver loses focus and reacts too late. When this happens, the cab can lock up while the trailer swings out to the side, forming an L-shape—this is called jackknifing. Tired drivers are also more likely to brake too hard on slick roads or fail to adjust their speed going downhill, both of which increase the odds of a jackknife. These crashes often involve multiple vehicles and cause massive pileups.
Single-Vehicle Crashes — Not every fatigue-related crash involves another car. A driver who falls asleep or zones out might drive off the road, hit a guardrail, or strike a fixed object. This is especially common on long, straight stretches of rural Iowa highways. The mental fog caused by fatigue makes it difficult for truckers to stay alert and keep their eyes moving, leading to slow reactions and missed cues like curves, exits, or obstacles ahead.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups — When a fatigued trucker causes an initial crash, especially on high-speed interstates like I-80 or I-35, the ripple effect can lead to chain-reaction collisions. A tired driver might not brake soon enough, or could swerve and block multiple lanes, giving other drivers no time to stop. Because of a truck’s size, even a small error from a drowsy operator can create a major pileup with many victims.
Sideswipes and Overcorrecting — Fatigue affects a driver’s ability to judge space and make smooth, safe movements. A tired trucker may drift into an adjacent lane or jerk the wheel too hard when trying to correct a mistake. These quick or uneven movements often cause the trailer to hit vehicles in the next lane or tip over. Late-night fatigue is a major factor in sideswipe accidents, especially in tight corridors around Des Moines where lanes narrow or merge.
Common Injuries Caused by Iowa Truck Accidents from Driver Fatigue
Traumatic Brain Injuries — When a semi-truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, the impact often causes the victim’s head to violently strike the steering wheel, window, or seat. Fatigue-related crashes tend to occur at full speed, increasing the chance of brain trauma. These injuries range from concussions to severe brain damage and can cause lasting memory loss, mood changes, or permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries — A high-speed collision or rollover can throw a person from their seat or compress the spine during impact. Fatigue in truck drivers leads to slower reaction times, which often means no braking or swerving before the crash. The force from these crashes may break vertebrae or damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or full paralysis.
Burn Injuries — In a serious wreck, especially one involving a jackknifed truck or pileup, fuel tanks may rupture and cause fires and serious burn injuries. Fatigued drivers are less likely to react fast enough to avoid hazards that could cause this kind of event.
Crush Injuries — When a truck rolls over or a car becomes pinned underneath a trailer, people inside can be trapped for long periods. These accidents happen more often when a tired truck driver loses control or drifts into another lane.
Multiple Bone Fractures — Victims of a truck accident caused by fatigue are likely to suffer more than just one broken bone. The size and weight of the truck add intense force to the crash. These injuries may include broken ribs, arms, legs, and facial bones—requiring surgery, casting, or even long-term physical therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — The emotional trauma after surviving or witnessing a violent truck crash can be severe. Victims may relive the accident, avoid driving, or struggle with anxiety or depression. These psychological effects are just as real as physical injuries and may last for years.
Who Is Liable in a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident in Iowa
Truck Driver — If a driver chooses to stay on the road while drowsy, they may be personally liable for the crash. Iowa recognizes driver negligence under general tort law when someone fails to use reasonable care and causes harm. If the driver ignored signs of fatigue, skipped required breaks, or took drowsiness-inducing medication, they may be held responsible.
Trucking Company — A company can also be liable if it encouraged or allowed unsafe driving practices. Under Iowa’s respondeat superior rules, employers are responsible for the acts of their drivers if those acts happen while performing work duties. Companies that ignore Iowa Code § 321.449 or that push unrealistic schedules can be sued for damages.
Shippers and Freight Brokers — If a third-party logistics company or freight shipper sets unreasonable delivery demands that lead a driver to exceed legal limits or skip rest, they may share in the liability. These companies can sometimes be linked to fatigue-related crashes when their practices contribute to dangerous working conditions.
Vehicle Maintenance Contractors — Third-party contractors who fail to properly maintain a vehicle can make a bad situation worse. For example, if brakes are worn down or warning systems malfunction, a fatigued driver might not be able to react in time. In those cases, multiple parties can share legal blame.
Parts Manufacturers — If a fatigue-monitoring system or other safety device fails due to a defect, and that failure contributes to a crash, the manufacturer may be held liable under Iowa product liability law. These cases are more complex and require expert review, but they can play a role in some claims.
Iowa’s Comparative Fault Law — Under Iowa Code § 668.3, fault can be divided among several responsible parties. A victim can still recover damages as long as they are found to be less than 51% at fault. This rule applies even if multiple entities contributed to the accident, which is common in fatigue-related trucking cases.
What an Iowa Truck Accident Fatigue Lawyer Does for Victims
An experienced Iowa truck accident attorney understands how to gather and analyze evidence that proves the driver was drowsy or overworked. This often includes reviewing electronic logging device (ELD) data, trip schedules, dispatch records, sleep logs, and camera footage to determine if the driver violated Iowa code. The lawyer may also work with medical experts and accident reconstruction teams to explain how fatigue caused the crash. Unlike in a typical car accident, where fault is often clear, these cases require uncovering hidden violations and identifying corporate practices that pushed drivers beyond safe limits.
An experienced lawyer also helps counter insurers who downplay or deny fatigue-related claims. For standard personal injury cases, they seek damages for medical costs, lost income, and future care. In wrongful death cases, they pursue compensation under Iowa Code § 611.20 for funeral costs, lost support, and companionship. Trucking companies may shift blame to reduce payouts. A truck accident fatigue lawyer knows how to challenge these tactics and ensure fair compensation—not just a fast settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone sue if a trucker falls asleep and causes a crash?
Yes, the driver and possibly their employer can be sued if fatigue caused the crash.
Is falling asleep the only kind of fatigue that matters?
No, zoning out, slow reactions, and poor judgment all count as fatigue-related.
Can a trucking company be held responsible too?
Yes, if they violated Iowa Code § 321.449 or encouraged unsafe driving hours.
What kind of evidence proves the driver was too tired?
ELD logs, dispatch records, witness accounts, and expert reviews often show driver fatigue.
How much time does someone have to file a lawsuit?
Under Iowa Code § 614.1(2), the deadline is two years from the crash date.
Are these cases harder than regular car accidents?
Yes, proving fatigue often requires technical evidence and legal experience specific to trucking.
What damages can someone claim after a fatigue crash?
Victims can seek payment for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.
Can a family sue if their loved one died in a fatigue crash?
Yes, under Iowa Code § 611.20, families may file a wrongful death claim.
What if the driver took medicine and crashed?
They may still be liable if the medicine caused drowsiness and impaired their driving.
Can insurance companies deny a fatigue-related claim?
They often try—but a lawyer can challenge denials and push for full compensation.
Resources
Iowa Department of Transportation — Iowa National CDL Manual: Night Driving & Driver Fatigue — This manual outlines how fatigue affects commercial drivers’ ability to safely operate vehicles. It explains the physical and mental causes of fatigue, who is most at risk, and warning signs to look for.
NHTSA — Drowsy Driving — This source from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains the dangers of drowsy driving and how it contributes to traffic accidents. It provides statistics, behavioral risk factors, prevention tips, and current initiatives aimed at reducing fatigue-related crashes.
The Trucker — Iowa State Patrol Warns Drivers of the Dangers of Driving While Fatigued — This news article reports on a crash in Iowa that the State Patrol linked to driver fatigue. It shares an example of a recent incident and reinforces the dangers of driving while tired.
FMCSA — CMV Driving Tips for Driver Fatigue — Published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this resource gives safety tips to help commercial vehicle drivers manage fatigue. It covers the causes of fatigue, tips on sleep, diet, medications, and avoiding drowsiness while driving.
Hire a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
If you or a loved was injured in a commercial truck accident, resulting from Truck Driver Fatigue, in Des Moines, Iowa, hire a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney to fight for you. The lawyers at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have more than seven decades of combined legal experience. We represent accident victims the Des Moines area, including Polk County, Dallas County, Story County, Warren County, Marion County, Mahaska County, Adair County, Madison County, and throughout the state of Iowa.
We will seek just compensation for your family’s pain and suffering. We are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurance companies in order to obtain a satisfactory settlement. We are also experienced trial attorneys and we are prepared to go to court if necessary to get justice for you. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a consultation.