The Hidden Dangers of Overnight Trucking

 Posted on May 23, 2025 in Personal Injury

When most people are asleep, thousands of commercial trucks are barreling down dark highways, carrying freight across the nation. While night trucking keeps store shelves stocked and deliveries on schedule, it also has many risks hidden in plain sight. Dim lighting, long periods of isolation, and the body’s natural urge to sleep create a perfect storm for danger. 

Fatigue-related deaths and catastrophic crashes are all too common when drivers push past their limits. If you have been hurt in a collision because a truck driver ignored safety laws or drove while severely tired, a DuPage County truck accident lawyer can help you seek justice for your injuries.

Why Is Night Trucking So Dangerous?

Driving through the night puts extra strain on truck drivers. The body’s natural sleep cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, makes it harder to stay alert during overnight hours. Even experienced drivers can struggle to focus, have delayed reaction times, and make poor decisions when they push through fatigue.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies fatigue as one of the top causes of truck accidents. Minimal lighting and fewer rest options on the road at night further exacerbate driver fatigue.

What Federal Rules Are in Place to Prevent Fatigued Driving?

To combat the dangers of drowsy driving, the FMCSA has implemented Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are meant to ensure that truck drivers receive adequate rest while also reducing fatigue-related crashes. The guidelines limit daily and weekly driving times and require specific break periods between shifts.

Truckers are restricted to driving a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off work. They are also prohibited from driving beyond the 14th hour after starting their workday. Additionally, drivers must have a 30-minute break after eight hours on the road and observe weekly limits with a 34-hour reset period.

Who Is Responsible When a Crash Involves a Fatigued Driver?

In an overnight trucking accident, liability may fall on several parties, including the driver and the trucking company. Oftentimes, the cause of the crash can be traced back to unsafe company practices or intentional rule-breaking. Examples of this include:

• Forcing drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines

• Failing to monitor or falsifying driver logs

• Ignoring signs of driver fatigue or health issues

By thoroughly investigating the circumstances, an attorney can uncover violations that show the company knowingly allowed unsafe driving practices.

How Can Legal Representation Help Victims?

Truck accidents caused by fatigue are complex and require in-depth analysis of driver logs, electronic tracking data, and other evidence. A skilled lawyer can work with experts to reconstruct the accident, identify signs of fatigue, and link those findings to regulatory violations.

For people injured in fatigue-related crashes, legal claims can help recover compensation for:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members

Contact a DuPage County, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been harmed in a fatigued-related truck crash, you do not have to face the legal process alone. A Naperville, IL truck accident attorney at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices will extensively evaluate your claim, investigate the crash, and fight to hold negligent parties accountable. Call 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation. Evening and Saturday appointment times are available.