One of the most common causes of bus accidents is also one of the most preventable: driver fatigue. Bus operators often work irregular hours, starting early in the morning and finishing late at night. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel, even for a "microsleep," the results are often fatal.
Proving Negligence with an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney
Proving that a driver was tired requires more than just a guess; it requires hard data. A lawyer will subpoena the driver’s hours-of-service logs and their cell phone records. Often, these records show a pattern of overwork that the company encouraged to save on labor costs.
The Science of Driver Exhaustion
Research shows that being awake for 18 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. For a professional driver operating a 40,000-pound bus, this level of impairment is unacceptable. Fatigue slows reaction times and makes it impossible to navigate heavy Indianapolis traffic safely.
Violating Federal Hours-of-Service Rules
The FMCSA has strict limits on how many hours a commercial driver can be on duty. These rules are designed to prevent the very accidents we see every day. When a company ignores these federal mandates, they are putting every person on the road at risk for a catastrophic collision.
Signs of a Tired Bus Driver
Evidence of fatigue can often be found at the scene of the crash. A lack of skid marks usually indicates that the driver didn't even try to brake before the impact, suggesting they may have drifted off. Witness testimony from passengers about the driver "nodding off" is also incredibly powerful in court.
Irregular lane drifting before the crash
Failure to respond to traffic signals
"Microsleep" episodes caught on camera
Missing logs or "doctored" time sheets
How an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney Navigates Multi-Party Claims
In many fatigue-related crashes, the bus company will try to blame the driver alone to avoid "vicarious liability." However, a lawyer knows that the company is responsible for the actions of their employees. They will fight to ensure that the corporation's deep pockets are available to pay for your damages.
Reviewing the company’s history of safety violations.
Interviewing other drivers about the company culture.
Analyzing the driver’s medical history for sleep apnea.
Demanding the internal communication between the driver and dispatch.
Yet, devastating bus accidents still occur far too often because companies prioritize speed over safety. If you have been a victim, an Indianapolis car accident attorney can uncover the truth behind the driver’s exhaustion and secure the compensation you need for a full recovery.
The Long-Term Impact of a Fatigue Crash
Accidents caused by a sleeping driver often happen at full speed because there is no braking. This leads to high-impact injuries like traumatic brain damage and internal organ failure. These are life-long conditions that require a massive amount of financial support for proper care.
Conclusion
Driver fatigue is a silent killer on our highways, but it is a form of negligence that the law does not tolerate. By holding both the driver and the company accountable, we can make the transit industry safer for everyone. Expert legal counsel is the first step toward getting the justice you and your family deserve.