$2,200,000 Settlement – Commercial Truck Driver Falls Asleep, Causing Devastating Crash

Our Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers Delivered Justice and Accountability

A commercial truck driver who fell asleep behind the wheel caused a multi-vehicle collision that left two individuals with severe injuries. Recognizing the seriousness of the crash, our legal team at Boughter Sinak, LLC immediately dispatched an accident reconstruction expert to document the scene, capture drone footage, and inspect the commercial truck involved.

Given the high number of injured victims, our truck accident attorneys aggressively pursued the claim, filing a lawsuit to maximize recovery for our clients. By securing multiple medical experts and a life care planner to estimate future medical costs, we successfully obtained a $2,200,000 combined settlement for the injured individuals.

Fatigued Truck Drivers Put Everyone at Risk

Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of catastrophic truck accidents in Indiana and across the country. Truck drivers often push themselves past their limits, leading to reduced reaction time, poor decision-making, and, in worst cases, falling asleep at the wheel.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

13% of truck crashes involve drowsy driving.
Drivers who go more than 18 hours without sleep are just as impaired as those with a 0.08% BAC, the legal limit for alcohol.
Over 4,000 people die each year in large truck crashes, many caused by fatigued drivers.

Commercial trucking companies are required to follow Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit driving time and mandate rest breaks. However, many drivers violate these rules under pressure from employers or financial incentives, putting lives at risk.

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations for Truck Drivers

To combat the dangers of drowsy driving, the FMCSA enforces strict HOS regulations limiting how long truck drivers can be on the road before taking a break. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes, but violations are all too common.

Key HOS regulations for commercial truck drivers include:

11-Hour Driving Limit – A truck driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour Limit – Truckers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they take breaks.
30-Minute Break Rule – Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – Truckers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, with a mandatory 34-hour restart before resuming.
Sleeper Berth Provision – Drivers using a sleeper berth must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the berth, plus an additional 2-hour off-duty period.

Unfortunately, many truck drivers and their employers ignore these regulations, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue on the road. Some common violations include:

Forging logbooks or tampering with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to make it appear that drivers followed regulations.
Encouraging or pressuring drivers to exceed their allowed driving hours to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
Skipping required rest breaks to maximize drive time.
Driving overnight without adequate sleep, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

If a trucking company pushes its drivers beyond legal limits, it can be held liable for any crashes caused by fatigue-related negligence. At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we uncover HOS violations by analyzing logbooks, ELD data, GPS tracking, and witness testimony to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

The Lasting Impact of Truck Accidents Caused by Fatigue

A crash involving a fatigued truck driver can leave victims with life-altering injuries that require years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Some of the most common injuries in drowsy driving truck accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Brain injuries can lead to cognitive issues, memory loss, and permanent disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries – Broken bones can require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
Internal organ damage – Blunt force trauma from a truck collision can cause life-threatening internal injuries.
Psychological trauma – Many survivors struggle with PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a serious truck accident.

Beyond the physical toll, truck accident victims often face financial hardship due to mounting medical bills and lost income. Insurance companies may attempt to settle for far less than what victims truly need. That’s why legal action is critical—so victims receive full compensation to rebuild their lives.

Steps to Take If You’re Hit by a Drowsy Truck Driver in Indiana

If a commercial truck driver falls asleep at the wheel and causes a crash, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and help build a strong case.

Call 911 immediately – A police report will document the scene and injuries.
Take photos and videos – Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
Get medical treatment – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms can appear later.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters – The trucking company’s insurer may try to downplay the accident.
Contact a truck accident lawyer – An attorney can launch an immediate investigation and preserve evidence.

How Boughter Sinak Fights for Truck Accident Victims

We know that truck accidents require aggressive legal representation. Our firm acts fast to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears, working with experts to reconstruct the accident and prove fault. Our approach includes:

Accident reconstruction – Dispatching investigators to analyze crash details.
Medical evaluations – Consulting specialists to assess long-term injury impact.
Life care planning – Calculating future medical costs and lost earning potential.
Negotiation & litigation – Fighting for maximum compensation, whether in settlement talks or at trial.

We’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with major trucking companies and their insurers. Our results speak for themselves—millions recovered for injury victims across Indiana.

What Compensation is Available for a Truck Accident?

Our lawyers believe trucking companies and negligent drivers must be held accountable when their reckless actions cause harm. That’s why we take an aggressive approach, ensuring our clients recover compensation for:

Medical expenses, including future treatments and rehabilitation
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Home modifications and assistive medical devices
Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one

Injured by a Fatigued Truck Driver? Get Boughter Sinak in Your Corner

If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident caused by a fatigued or asleep-at-the-wheel driver, you need a law firm that will go the distance for you. The trucking company and its insurer will fight to reduce or deny your claim—but we won’t back down.

At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims across Indiana, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Put a proven fighter in your corner. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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