A collision with a semi-truck can be catastrophic. This is because the sheer size and weight of semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, is no match for a passenger car. Unfortunately, trucking accidents are quite common in Texas and the rest of the country.

There are many factors that can lead to a trucking accident, and driver fatigue is one of the most common.

For years, officials have pinpointed driver fatigue as a cause of trucking accidents, but it was only recently that officials tied a disorder, sleep apnea, to the problem.

Two government advisory panels announced a recommendation last month that obese truck drivers should be screened for sleep apnea, which leads to disrupted sleep and drowsiness during the day.

The Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and the Medical Review Board said that more discussions are set to take place this year regarding the screening proposal, and a finalized presentation will be given to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for its consideration.

If the FMCSA agrees to adopt the proposal, truck drivers who cause accidents by falling asleep behind the wheel or other fatigue-related mistakes could be taken off of the roads for an evaluation and possible treatment for sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is also most common in overweight people, which is why this population of drivers has been targeted for screenings.

When a trucking accident is caused by the negligent or wrongful acts of another party, like a driver who is fatigued, the injured victim can pursue compensation for the damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Accident victims may be able to recover economic damages, such as medical costs and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

Source: The Huffington Post, "Sleep Apnea In Truck Drivers: Advisory Panels Recommend Screening For Condition In Obese Drivers," Dec. 19, 2011