How Does Driver Fatigue Cause Serious Truck Accidents in Colorado?

 Posted on November 20, 2025 in Truck Accident

Driver fatigue is a common cause of truck accidents in Colorado. When truck drivers spend too many hours behind the wheel, they lose alertness and their reaction time slows. The demands of the trucking industry often make driver fatigue more likely. These dangerous conditions can lead to serious or even fatal crashes. If you have been injured in a truck accident, an experienced Larimer County, CO truck accident lawyer can help you hold the driver and trucking company responsible.

Why Are Truck Drivers So Susceptible to Fatigue?

Federal law under 49 C.F.R. § 395 limits how many hours commercial drivers can work in a day or week. These rules also require rest breaks to prevent fatigue. However, some drivers or companies ignore these limits to make faster deliveries.

Sleep loss builds up quickly, especially for drivers who work overnight or switch schedules often. Traveling through mountainous areas and bad weather adds even more strain. Fatigue affects judgment, coordination, and attention, similar to drinking alcohol. A tired driver may not realize how impaired they are until an accident happens.

How Does Driver Fatigue Affect a Truck Driver’s Performance?

When a driver is tired, it affects nearly every part of safe driving. Fatigued truckers often drift between lanes, follow too closely, or react too slowly when traffic changes.

Some drivers experience what is known as "microsleep." This is when a person briefly falls asleep for a few seconds without even realizing it. Even a few seconds of lost focus can be deadly when operating a truck that weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Many fatigue-related crashes happen early in the morning or late at night, when the body naturally wants to rest.

How Do You Prove Trucker Fatigue Caused Your Accident in Colorado?

Proving fatigue in a truck accident requires careful investigation. Your lawyer can request Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. This information records how long the driver was working and whether they took necessary rest breaks. Dispatch records, rest logs, and GPS data can also show violations of safety rules. Lawyers may also use accident reconstruction experts and "black box" data from the truck to show that the driver was working beyond the legal limits.

The insurance company may try to claim that you share at least a portion of liability for the accident, but do not let that stop you from pursuing compensation. Colorado uses a comparative negligence system under C.R.S. § 13-21-111 for cases involving shared fault. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of the fault for the accident is less than the other driver’s.

What Compensation Could You Get for a Strong Truck Accident Claim?

With a strong case, you could potentially recover the following:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery, and rehabilitation

• Lost income from missed work and reduced future earning ability

• Pain and suffering caused by physical pain and emotional distress

• Property damage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle

An attorney can also investigate whether the trucking company pressured the driver to keep driving without rest. If the company ignored federal safety laws, it could share liability for the crash.

Contact a Fort Collins, CO Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you believe a fatigued driver caused your truck accident, you should speak to our knowledgeable Larimer County, CO truck accident lawyer today. Attorney Darby Hoggatt is a proud member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association, achieved because of his dedication to personal injury victims.

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our team provides compassionate and determined representation for clients and their families. You will receive personal attention and honest guidance from start to finish. Consultations are free, and you pay no fees unless your case is successful. Call 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation. Se Habla Español.