Dangers of Drowsy Driving

If you have recently been injured in a car accident that you believe is tied to another party’s drowsy driving, this could be a critical element of establishing liability so that you can recover as much compensation as you can for the injuries you have sustained.

Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that drowsy driving is a widespread epidemic across motorists all over the country. In 2013, more than 44,000 injuries, 800 deaths, and 72,000 accidents were tied to drowsy driving. Drowsy driving may also be referred to as driver fatigue and this can happen in any situation in which a driver is too sleepy to operate a motor vehicle and therefore puts themselves and others at risk of an accident.

Common causes of drowsy driving include:

• Use of narcotics or alcohol
• Driving too long without rest
• A work schedule that affects your circadian rhythm or ability to sleep
• Sleep disorders
• Interrupted or fragmented sleep
• Use of sleep aids or sedatives close to driving

The impacts of drowsy driving may look different from one driver to another. However, all fatigued drivers face significant problems with being able to focus and control a vehicle. Short-term memory loss and slower reaction times are two of the most common side effects of drowsy driving. Furthermore, a driver who closes his or her eyes for just a couple of seconds could travel the length of a football field while going 55 mph, meaning that when they do wake up it may be too late to correct their behavior and avoid a catastrophic accident. If you or someone you know has recently been injured in a drowsy driving accident, you may need an experienced personal injury attorney who has a track record of successfully fighting these types of claims.

Although drowsy driving has received significant focus in the press in recent years, it is still a widespread problem that can lead to catastrophic injuries. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney may be the only way for you to recover the compensation you need if you have been seriously hurt. Make sure you hire a lawyer that you can count on after a drowsy driving accident- get help from the experienced attorneys at Court Law by filling out our online contact form to get started today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.