How Tired Truck Drivers Cause Accidents in Charlotte, NC

Have you been injured in a truck accident caused by a tired driver in Charlotte, North Carolina? Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (704) 980-9999. We offer a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Charlotte to discuss your case and explore your options for recovering compensation.

Fatigued truck drivers put everyone on the road at risk. Long hours, skipped breaks, and tight delivery schedules often lead to dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. If you were hurt in a collision involving a drowsy or overworked driver, legal guidance can help you pursue justice and protect your financial recovery.

Why Choose Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers For Help After a Truck Accident

Why Choose Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers For Help After a Truck Accident

Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers serve clients throughout Charlotte, NC, helping those injured in trucking accidents recover the compensation they deserve. With decades of combined experience, our team has built a reputation for results and client-focused advocacy.

Here’s why our clients choose us: 

  • We have more than 32 years of combined experience representing victims of serious truck collisions, including those caused by driver fatigue and negligence.
  • Our firm has recovered over $35 million for clients across North Carolina through skilled negotiation and litigation.
  • We have been recognized by leading organizations such as Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite.
  • We conduct detailed investigations into driver logs, electronic data, and company safety practices to identify rule violations.
  • We collaborate with accident reconstruction professionals to build strong, evidence-based cases that hold negligent parties accountable.
  • We are committed to pursuing full compensation, whether through negotiation with insurers or trial representation when necessary.

If you need help after a collision, call today to schedule your free consultation with our Charlotte injury attorneys.

Why Is Fatigue a Dangerous Factor in Truck Accidents?

Driving while tired might not sound as serious as drinking and driving, but the two can look surprisingly similar. Studies have shown that more than 17 hours without sleep can affect you just like a blood alcohol level of 0.05. 

The danger is even greater for truck drivers because of the size and weight of their vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer often weighs tens of thousands of pounds.

When truck drivers are fatigued, they often:

  • React too slowly to changing traffic conditions
  • Miss exits or drift into other lanes
  • Fall asleep for a few seconds without realizing it
  • Make poor decisions, such as speeding or tailgating

These risks are happening every day on Charlotte’s interstates and local roads.

Why Does Charlotte See Accidents Involving Tried Truck Drivers?

Charlotte is a major trucking hub and crossroads for regional and national freight. Long delivery routes, early-morning departures, and overnight drives make it easy for fatigue to become a serious safety issue. 

Common crash scenarios involving tired truck drivers include:

  • Rear-end collisions during rush hour when the driver fails to notice slowing traffic
  • Side-swipes from drifting into adjacent lanes
  • Jackknife accidents caused by overcorrection
  • Late-night crashes when the driver nods off

Even with federal “hours-of-service” (HOS) regulations designed to prevent fatigue, violations still happen. Truckers are supposed to take 10 consecutive hours off after 11 hours of driving and must log their rest breaks using electronic systems. 

However, tight delivery deadlines and pressure from companies sometimes lead drivers to bend the rules.

What Is the Human Cost of Tried Truck Driving?

The damage is rarely minor when a tired truck driver causes an accident. A momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic consequences. Victims of fatigue-related truck accidents frequently suffer serious and lasting harm, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Broken bones and spinal injuries
  • Severe internal injuries to the lungs, liver, or kidneys
  • Burns and disfigurement
  • Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression
  • Lost income and ongoing medical bills

Families also suffer in ways that cannot be measured in medical bills or insurance claims. Watching a loved one endure surgeries, pain, and emotional distress can be heartbreaking. 

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Charlotte

The aftermath of a truck accident can feel chaotic, but the steps you take immediately after can protect your health and your right to compensation. Here is what to do:

  • Call 911 right away: Report the crash and request medical assistance for anyone who is hurt. A police report will also provide important documentation for your claim.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you are seriously hurt, seek medical attention. Some symptoms, like internal injuries or concussions, may not appear for hours or days.
  • Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
  • Exchange information: Get the truck driver’s name, employer, license plate number, and insurance details. You should also get contact information for any witnesses.
  • Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit blame or make statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
  • Contact a Charlotte truck accident lawyer: Trucking companies often act quickly to protect themselves after a crash. Critical evidence like driver logs or electronic data can be lost or deleted without prompt legal action, so consider speaking with a lawyer. 

Taking these steps helps protect your health while strengthening a potential personal injury case.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Truck driver fatigue is preventable. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Charlotte, NC, do not wait to get help. Contact the Charlotte truck accident lawyers at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. 

We will listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve.