How To Prove Fatigue Was a Factor in Your Truck Accident Case in Illinois

 Posted on October 16, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Traveling along the major corridors like I-88 or I-80 in Illinois, you will see semi trucks with plates from all over the country. These drivers spend long hours on the road, and if they are not careful, fatigue can get the best of them. The effects are comparable to drunk driving. If you were hurt in a truck accident and believe the driver was too tired to drive safely, you may be able to recover money for your losses. An experienced Oswego, IL truck accident lawyer can help you gather the proof you need to show fatigue played a role in your crash.

Why Is Truck Driver Fatigue So Dangerous?

Over-the-road drivers are away from home for weeks at a time. Many drive at night or in poor weather. Fatigue makes it hard to stay focused and alert. It can cause slower reflexes, poor judgment, or even brief moments of sleep known as "microsleeps." At highway speeds, just a few seconds of inattention can cause a deadly crash.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires commercial truck drivers to take breaks and rest. Under 49 C.F.R. § 395.3, a driver can only drive for up to 11 hours after taking 10 hours off. Ignoring these limits is not only unsafe but also a violation of federal law. When a truck driver or their employer breaks these safety rules, they can be held responsible for any injuries that result.

Common Causes of Fatigued Driving in the Trucking Industry

In addition to violating the FMCSA’s hours of service requirement, some of the other most common causes of truck driver fatigue include:

• Working overnight or early morning shifts that disrupt normal sleep patterns

• Unrealistic delivery deadlines set by trucking companies

• Relying on caffeine or other stimulants to stay awake instead of getting proper rest

• Health issues such as sleep apnea or a poor diet

Even when a driver appears alert, they may still be dangerously tired. A trucking company that encourages long hours or fails to enforce rest breaks can share fault for a crash.

How To Prove Fatigue Was a Factor in a Truck Accident

Proving fatigue takes careful investigation. There are several sources of evidence we might use to show the driver in your case was too tired to be driving.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Under 49 C.F.R. § 395.8, truck drivers are typically required to record their driving hours electronically. These devices track when a truck is moving and when the driver takes breaks. If the logs show the driver worked longer than allowed, that can be used as proof of fatigue.

GPS and Fuel Records

These records can show how long a truck was on the road and whether the driver stopped for rest. If the data reveals continuous driving without breaks, it supports your claim.

Eyewitnesses and Video Evidence

People who saw the crash can offer their testimony of what happened. Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles showing the truck drifting, braking suddenly, or swerving can also be extremely useful, since these are signs of fatigue.

Company Policies

Emails, schedules, and company training materials can reveal whether the employer pressured drivers to keep going without rest. Cases involving company liability can be much more complex, but we have extensive experience negotiating with trucking company insurers for fair compensation.

Contact a Kendall County, IL Truck Accident Attorney Today

Fatigue-related truck accidents often cause serious injuries and major financial strain. Kendall County Injury Lawyers, a Division of Kanoski Bresney has decades of experience helping injury victims across Illinois. We are proud of our strong track record, with over 250 five-star reviews and more than half a billion dollars recovered for our clients. Contact us today at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation with an experienced Oswego, IL truck accident lawyer so we can discuss your rights and how to approach your claim.