Driver Fatigue Accidents in San Marcos: Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Drowsy Driving Crash

Driver fatigue poses a serious threat on San Marcos roads, particularly along I-35 and TX-80 where long-distance travelers and commercial truckers frequently operate. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time, decision-making, and awareness similarly to alcohol intoxication, leading to devastating crashes. Common scenarios include commercial truck drivers exceeding federal hours-of-service limits, shift workers commuting during early morning hours, and students from Texas State University driving after extended study sessions. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the driver's delayed reaction time or complete loss of consciousness. In personal injury claims, establishing driver fatigue can involve examining work schedules, cell phone records, witness statements, and vehicle data recordings. Recent studies indicate that drowsy driving contributes to roughly 20% of fatal crashes in Texas, making it a critical factor in personal injury litigation.

Legal Rights and Considerations: Texas follows a modified comparative fault system where injured parties can recover damages if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident. The state's Transportation Code §545.401 addresses reckless driving, which includes operating a vehicle while significantly fatigued. Commercial drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations limiting driving hours. Insurance claims typically involve the at-fault driver's liability coverage, with Texas requiring minimum coverage of $30,000 per injured person. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

A good injury lawyer can help with all kinds of accidents and injuries including:

• San Marcos car collision attorney;
• San Marcos pedestrian accident attorney;
• San Marcos motorcycle accident lawyer;
• San Marcos truck accident lawyer;
• San Marcos bicycle accident attorney;
• San Marcos brain injury lawyer;
• San Marcos spinal cord injury attorney;
• San Marcos fatal injury lawyer.

Related Resources:

• Hays County District Court: 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos
• Central Texas Medical Center Trauma Services: 1301 Wonder World Drive
• Texas Department of Transportation Safety Resources
• FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations Portal
• Texas State Law Library - Transportation Code
• Hays County Victim Services: (512) 393-7600
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Portal

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