How to Hold Trucking Companies Accountable for Driver Fatigue in Georgia

Who’s Liable in a Fatigue-Related Truck Accident?

A fatigued truck driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound semi is a danger to everyone on the road. In Georgia, far too many devastating truck accidents are caused by truckers who were pushed to the brink—driving beyond legal limits, skipping rest breaks, or falling asleep at the wheel. For victims and families left to deal with the aftermath, the question becomes: who allowed this to happen, and how can they be held responsible?

At the Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, our Georgia truck accident lawyers investigate these cases with urgency and precision. When a trucking company puts profits ahead of safety, we take legal action to demand justice.

Why Fatigued Driving Is So Dangerous for Truckers

Truck driver fatigue isn’t just about being tired—it’s about diminished reaction time, poor decision-making, and impaired motor control. Studies show that being awake for 18 hours impairs driving as much as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. After 24 hours, it’s comparable to 0.10%—well over the legal limit.

On long hauls through Georgia, especially along I-75, I-285, and rural corridors like US-27 and GA-400, driver fatigue is a leading cause of rollovers, rear-end collisions, and lane-departure crashes. Even a few seconds of drowsiness at highway speeds can result in a fatal truck wreck.

What Federal Law Says About Truck Driver Hours

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), limit how long truckers can drive:

• 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive off-duty hours
• 14-hour maximum workday
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours
• 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 days

Truckers must document their time using electronic logging devices (ELDs), which are required in most commercial trucks. But these logs are only useful if someone is checking them—and that’s where trucking companies often fail.

How Trucking Companies Pressure Drivers to Break the Rules

Even though federal law is clear, fatigue-related truck crashes still happen because of one thing: pressure from above.

In our investigations, we’ve uncovered all kinds of misconduct:

• Dispatchers urging drivers to falsify logs or skip breaks
• Delivery schedules that are impossible to meet without violating HOS rules
• Incentive programs that reward more miles over safety
• Failure to monitor driver logs for compliance

If a trucking company turns a blind eye to HOS violations—or worse, encourages them—they can be held directly liable for the crash.

Investigating Fatigue in Georgia Truck Accident Claims

Fatigue isn’t always obvious. Unlike drunk driving, there’s no breathalyzer for tiredness. That’s why uncovering driver fatigue requires fast, detailed investigation.

Our team reviews:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Dispatch communication records
• Toll receipts, fuel records, and GPS data
• Witness testimony and traffic cam footage

We also examine whether the company had a history of HOS violations or if the driver had been disciplined for fatigue-related incidents before.

When Is a Trucking Company Legally Liable?

In Georgia, trucking companies may be held liable for fatigue-related crashes under several legal theories:

• Negligent Supervision – Failing to monitor or correct HOS violations
• Negligent Hiring Or Retention – Employing drivers with a history of unsafe driving
• Direct Violations Of Federal Safety Regulations – Such as falsifying logs or forcing drivers to exceed legal hours
• Vicarious Liability – Holding the company accountable for the driver’s actions while on the job

Truck companies are required to ensure their drivers are fit to operate safely. If they fail, they can—and should—be held accountable in civil court.

Fatigue-Related Truck Wrecks Are Often Fatal

Fatigued driving is a known killer. In many of the truck accident cases we handle, it’s not just about injuries—it’s about grieving families and wrongful death claims.

The consequences of a tired truck driver’s mistake can include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Amputations
• Internal organ trauma
• Loss of life

Our legal team doesn’t just pursue compensation. We fight to uncover systemic safety failures and hold every responsible party accountable.

Real-World Signs a Trucking Company Ignored Driver Fatigue

Trucking companies rarely come right out and admit they pushed drivers to work while exhausted. But when fatigue contributes to a crash, there are often signs the company ignored the rules or encouraged dangerous behavior to meet delivery deadlines.

Red flags that may indicate a company failed to address fatigue include:

• Back-to-back long-haul trips that violate federal hours-of-service limits
• Electronic logs with suspicious gaps, edits, or excessive “personal conveyance” time
• Lack of disciplinary action for drivers repeatedly exceeding their hours
• Internal memos or dispatch instructions that prioritize speed over safety

In cases like these, a thorough legal investigation can reveal whether a trucking company chose profit over public safety—and if so, they can be held accountable.

What to Do if You Suspect Fatigue Played a Role in the Crash

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident and fatigue may have been a factor, don’t wait.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Get medical care immediately. Even minor symptoms may signal serious injuries.
• Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurer without a lawyer. They are not on your side.
• Contact a Georgia truck accident lawyer who understands fatigue claims. You’ll need someone who knows how to investigate logbook violations, preserve evidence, and deal with multiple layers of liability.

How Our Law Firm Holds Trucking Companies Accountable

Attorneys Sarah Jett and Gary Martin Hays literally wrote the book on truck accident claims in Georgia. As a result, our lawyers know how to use cutting-edge tactics to expose fatigue-related negligence and build strong cases for maximum compensation.

We work with accident reconstruction experts, review black box data, and uncover industry violations that may have been swept under the rug.

With over $1 billion recovered for Georgia families, we know what it takes to go up against major trucking companies and win.

Trucking Companies Control Evidence. Act Fast to Protect Your Case.

After a serious crash, the trucking company isn’t waiting around. In many cases, their response team—including insurance adjusters, investigators, and attorneys—arrives at the scene before the wreckage is even cleared. Their goal is simple: protect the company, limit liability, and get ahead of any legal claims.

They also control access to much of the critical evidence. That includes:

• Driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Maintenance records and inspection reports
• Dispatch communications and GPS tracking info
• In-cab camera footage or dash cam video

This information can make or break your case, but it won’t be available forever. Some records are overwritten within days if not preserved through legal action. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

At Gary Martin Hays & Associates, we know how to send the proper preservation letters, secure evidence, and level the playing field before it’s too late.

Talk to a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Legal Options

If a tired truck driver caused your crash, you deserve answers—and justice. Let our legal team review your case, explain your potential legal options, and take action to protect your rights.

We offer free consultations with no obligation, and you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. With offices in Atlanta, Duluth, Lithonia, College Park, Marietta, Gainesville, Conyers, and Jonesboro, we’re ready to help wherever you are in Georgia.

Don’t wait. Contact Gary Martin Hays & Associates today.

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