Commercial truck driver fatigue represents one of the most serious safety threats on Harrisonburg's highways, particularly along heavily-trafficked routes like I-81 and US-33. When exhausted truckers continue driving beyond federally mandated Hours of Service (HOS) limits, their impaired reaction time, decreased alertness, and poor decision-making can lead to catastrophic accidents. Key contributing factors often include tight delivery schedules, logbook violations, inadequate rest breaks, nighttime driving, and underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. For injury victims, these cases typically involve complex liability issues spanning multiple parties - from the driver themselves to trucking companies, freight brokers, and maintenance providers. Establishing how fatigue contributed to the crash requires careful investigation of electronic logging devices, driver records, dispatch communications, and sometimes even cell phone records. Documentation of these factors is crucial for victims seeking compensation through personal injury claims.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence system, where plaintiffs can recover damages if they are found to be 50% or less at fault. Commercial truck accident claims must be filed within Virginia's two-year statute of limitations. State law requires commercial vehicles to carry minimum liability coverage of $750,000, though many carriers maintain policies with higher limits. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages if the driver or company showed willful disregard for safety regulations. Virginia courts also recognize "respondeat superior" liability, holding trucking companies responsible for their drivers' negligent actions while operating within the scope of employment. An experienced Harrisonburg truck collision lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Harrisonburg injury attorneys can handle other types of injury claims as well. Click the links below to learn more about how they can help:

• Harrisonburg car accident lawyers
• Harrisonburg motorcycle accident attorneys
• Harrisonburg bicycle accident law firm
• Harrisonburg pedestrian accident lawyers
• Harrisonburg medical malpractice attorneys

Related Resources

Local Courts

• Rockingham County Circuit Court
• Harrisonburg General District Court
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Harrisonburg Division)

Victim Support Services

• Brain Injury Services of the Shenandoah Valley
• Virginia Victim/Witness Program
• Rockingham-Harrisonburg Victim/Witness Program

Regulatory Resources

• Virginia Commercial Driver's Manual
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service Regulations
• Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Commercial Vehicle Safety Program
• Code of Virginia § 46.2 (Motor Vehicle Laws)

Return to the Harrisonburg 18-wheeler accident information page