What happens when a moment of exhaustion leads to life-altering tragedy? Every year, countless families find themselves asking this question after a truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel.
Fatigue is one of the most dangerous conditions for commercial drivers on Indiana roads. If you or someone you love has been hurt in such an incident, it is essential to speak with a Kokomo truck accident lawyer. They understand the devastating impact of these crashes and how to hold those responsible fully accountable.
At our firm, attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley leads with decades of experience and a strong commitment to protecting the injured. As someone who has built a legal career around fighting for victims’ rights, Vaughn knows exactly what is at stake for our clients.
“The trucking industry operates on tight schedules, but safety must always come first. Fatigue is never an excuse for negligence,” says attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley.
The Real Dangers of Fatigued Truck Driving
Fatigue does not only cause drowsiness. It slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can lead to complete unconsciousness while driving. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, fatigue is a leading cause of large truck collisions.
In Kokomo and the surrounding areas, highways such as U.S. Route 31 and Indiana State Road 22 see heavy commercial traffic. Truck drivers who push past legal rest limits to meet deadlines are not only risking their own safety but also the lives of everyone else on the road.
Some of the most common causes of truck driver fatigue include:
- Driving more hours than permitted by law
- Failing to take required rest breaks
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
- Pressure from trucking companies to meet delivery schedules
- Substance use to stay awake
When drivers violate hours-of-service rules, they place all road users at serious risk. As an experienced truck accident attorney in Kokomo, IN, Vaughn A. Wamsley is committed to uncovering the truth behind the crash and seeking justice for the injured.
What Should You Do After a Fatigued Truck Accident?
The aftermath of a collision with a commercial vehicle is often chaotic and confusing. Here are essential steps to take if you suspect fatigue played a role in your truck accident:
- Call Emergency Services Immediately: Prioritize medical attention for anyone injured.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs, videos, and notes if you are physically able to.
- Collect Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Do Not Talk to the Trucking Company: Their goal is to minimize liability.
- Contact an Experienced Accident Lawyer in Kokomo, Indiana: You need an advocate who understands the complexity of trucking cases.
Our legal team works diligently to preserve crucial evidence, including logbooks, GPS data, and employment records. Timing is critical. Trucking companies often act fast to protect themselves, and you need someone who will act faster to protect your rights.
How Vaughn A. Wamsley Builds Strong Claims
Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley takes a hands-on approach with each case. When you hire our firm, you are not handed off to an assistant or paralegal. Vaughn personally investigates the circumstances of your crash and leverages his decades of litigation experience to pursue the strongest path forward.
Fatigued truck accident cases often require extensive resources. Our firm works with:
- Accident reconstruction experts to analyze crash scenes.
- Medical professionals to document the extent of injuries.
- Sleep experts to evaluate driver fatigue and behavior.
- Vocational specialists to assess the long-term impact on your ability to work.
With Vaughn’s leadership, we make sure every detail is uncovered. Our mission is not only to win cases but to restore peace of mind for those who have been wrongfully harmed.
Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?” In most cases, trucking companies can and should be held liable.
Under Indiana law and federal regulations, companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, enforcing hours-of-service rules, and monitoring fatigue risks. When they fail in these duties, they may be held legally accountable for:
- Negligent hiring practices
- Improper driver supervision
- Encouraging drivers to violate rest requirements
- Failing to detect or address sleep disorders
We aggressively pursue claims against both drivers and their employers. Vaughn A. Wamsley has earned a strong reputation for his unrelenting pursuit of justice, even when powerful trucking corporations are involved.
What Compensation Is Available in a Fatigued Truck Accident Case?
Victims of truck crashes often face enormous medical expenses, loss of income, and lasting physical or emotional trauma. When fatigue plays a role, the pain of knowing your suffering could have been prevented can be overwhelming.
As your legal advocates, we pursue full compensation for:
- Emergency medical care and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In some cases, we may also pursue punitive damages to punish particularly reckless behavior and send a message that fatigued driving will not be tolerated in Indiana.
Local Insight: Why Kokomo Roads Pose Special Risks
While fatigue is a national concern, Kokomo has unique roadways and traffic patterns that can amplify the danger. Long stretches of highway and rural roads in Howard County often lack lighting, making nighttime fatigue-related crashes even more deadly.
U.S. Route 31, a major corridor for trucking goods across the state, runs directly through Kokomo. Accidents along this route have involved overturned semis, jackknife crashes, and collisions with passenger vehicles that result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Our legal team understands the local infrastructure and its impact on risk. We work tirelessly to ensure every relevant factor is included in your claim.
Why Choose Vaughn A. Wamsley?
Choosing a lawyer after a truck accident is one of the most important decisions you will make. With Vaughn A. Wamsley, you receive more than just legal representation. You are gaining a determined advocate who sees your case as a mission.
“Our clients are more than just names on paper. They are people whose lives have been turned upside down. We owe them our best work, every time,” says Vaughn.
What sets Vaughn apart:
- Over 30 years of experience fighting for the injured
- Knowledge of Indiana injury law and trucking regulations
- Trial-tested advocate unafraid to go head-to-head with major insurance carriers
- Hands-on communication throughout every step of your case
When we take your case, we take your story personally. We will not rest until justice has been done.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatigued Truck Accidents
Is fatigue hard to prove in a truck accident?
It can be, but with proper investigation, we uncover evidence such as driver logs, rest records, and digital data. Vaughn A. Wamsley is skilled at identifying signs of fatigue and building a strong narrative.
Can I still file a claim if the truck driver did not fall asleep?
Yes. Fatigue does not require total unconsciousness. Slower reaction times or impaired judgment may still create liability.
What if the trucking company denies responsibility?
We are prepared for denial. Our legal team builds robust cases supported by evidence and expert testimony, and we are always ready to take matters to court if a settlement is not possible.
Is there a time limit to file a lawsuit?
Yes. Indiana’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, certain exceptions may apply. Contacting an accident lawyer in Kokomo, Indiana, promptly helps protect your rights.
Your Next Step: Call for a Free Case Evaluation
If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a crash involving a drowsy or fatigued truck driver, time is critical. Trucking companies are already moving to protect their interests. You deserve someone in your corner who knows how to stand up for you.
Let Vaughn A. Wamsley be your voice for justice. Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can help.
We do not charge any legal fees unless we win your case.
Take Action Now
Truck drivers have a responsibility to rest. When they choose to drive exhausted, the consequences can be devastating. If you need a Kokomo fatigued truck accident lawyer who will listen to your story, stand up for your rights, and fight for every dollar you deserve, reach out today.
Your recovery matters. Let us help you rebuild what fatigue destroyed.