Sleepiness Behind the Wheel Can Cause Catastrophic and Fatal Accidents

 Posted on December 21, 2022 in Car Accident

Everyone has experienced the sensation of fatigue or sleepiness. Your eyelids feel heavy, and your vision becomes blurry. It is hard to think clearly, and all you want is to take a nap.

Driving a car under these circumstances is extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, many people do so anyway. Drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to approximately 100,000 traffic accidents every year in the United States, resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities annually.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, you may be able to take legal action against the liable party. You may be entitled to monetary damages, including compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

The Dangers of Fatigued Driving Are Often Underestimated

Sleep deprivation can cause short- and long-term effects on our minds and bodies. Not getting enough sleep can reduce concentration, impair problem-solving skills, and increase reaction time. When a driver is sleepy, he or she may make mistakes like failing to stop at a stop sign or not looking for traffic before changing lanes. Some drivers even fall asleep at the wheel.

If a driver is having trouble keeping their eyes open or paying attention to the road, they need to immediately pull over and call someone to come and get them. However, many drivers underestimate just how dangerous drowsy driving is. They continue driving, hoping that they can stay awake by blaring the radio, opening the window, or drinking caffeinated drinks. However, these tactics often fail, and the driver makes a mistake that leads to a serious accident.

Holding a Drowsy Driver Responsible for an Accident

Car crashes caused by fatigued drivers often result in severe injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one were injured in a drowsy driving accident, you might be able to seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. You could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. If your loved one died in such an accident, you might be able to hold the drowsy driver accountable for the devastation their actions caused you and your family. You might also be able to get compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the deceased loved one’s financial support and services, mental anguish caused by the death, and more.

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer

Drowsy driving can cause horrific accidents. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. for help exploring your legal options. Call a skilled Fort Collins car accident attorney at 970-225-2190 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving