Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Like alcohol, drowsiness slows down the driver’s reaction time, decreases awareness, and in pairs, his or her judgment. These factors can increase the likelihood that the drowsy driver will cause a car accident that results in one or more victims’ injuries.
If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver in Texas, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Ceja Law Firm PLLC is prepared to review your case and help you understand your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages. Contact the experienced drowsy driving accident attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC to schedule a complimentary consultation.
What Causes Drowsy Driving Accidents?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 91,000 car accidents are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. While anyone can fall asleep at the wheel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that specific individuals are more at risk, including the following:
- Drivers who must travel long distances
- Sleep-deprived individuals who get less than six hours of sleep per night
- Drivers with untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Motorists who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers taking medication, whether prescription or over the counter, that can cause drowsiness
- Drivers who work irregular hours or need to drive at night
- Drivers who regularly drive between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m
Drivers who fall into one or more of these categories are more at risk of falling asleep at the wheel and causing a car accident. When drivers fail to take preventative measures to keep others on the road safe, despite knowing they’re too tired to drive safely, victims can hold them liable for their injuries.
Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
Drowsy driving occurs so frequently because sleep deprivation has become more common. Drivers frequently start their morning commute to work after a poor night’s sleep. Those driving long distances may push themselves to drive greater distances without taking breaks. Many drivers don’t realize how much fatigue negatively impacts their ability to make safe decisions and focus on the road.
Approximately one out of every five auto accidents directly result from fatigued driving yearly. Studies have shown that drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fatigued driving can cause the following dangerous circumstances:
- Increased aggression
- Impaired judgment and reaction time
- Difficulties with short-term memory
- Loss of vigilance
- Falling asleep at the wheel
Fatigued Driver Truck Accidents
Due to the higher speeds involved and the delayed reaction time of drivers, truck driver fatigue collisions are more likely to cause severe injuries or death. Truck drivers are required to follow hours of service regulations. These regulations dictate how long truck drivers can drive, the length of time they can drive between consecutive work days, and the length of breaks. All truck drivers and carriers must abide by hours of service regulations.
Truck drivers who fail to abide by these regulations are more likely to cause a truck accident. Due to the large size and heavy weight of trucks, commercial truck accidents are more likely to be fatal. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a commercial truck driver, you may have a right to pursue a claim against the driver, his or her employer, or another negligent third party.
What to Do If A Drowsy Driver Has Injured You
Car accidents caused by drowsy driving can be particularly traumatic. They often occur at high speeds and may involve devastating injuries. Drowsy driving accidents can be incredibly disorienting because they occur early or late at night. Knowing what steps to take after a drowsy driving accident can help protect yourself and your legal claim for compensation. The most crucial step after a car accident is to seek medical attention immediately.
Call 911 and request an ambulance and a police officer to come to the accident scene. If you do not go to the hospital, visiting your medical doctor as soon as possible is essential. Following your doctor’s orders, attending appointments, and taking your prescribed medication will help you recover and help you prove that the accident caused your injuries and the severity of your injuries.
After you receive medical attention, you should contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you work with a team of investigators and experts to collect additional evidence, such as surveillance videos and reconstruction analysis by experts. An attorney can also help you preserve evidence of fatigued driving as quickly as possible.
Compensation Available in a Drowsy Driving Accident Lawsuit
Drowsy driving accidents can result in extensive property damage and serious injuries. When a victim can prove that another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or unlawful conduct caused the accident, they can recover compensation for their related costs. Fatigued driving is a type of negligent driving that breaches the driver’s duty to drive reasonably under the circumstances. When victims can prove that negligent driving caused the accident that resulted in their injuries, they can recover economic and non-economic damages. Compensation can include payment for the following:
- The cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle
- Past and future medical expenses for emergency medical treatment, diagnosis, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages incurred by the victim due to his or her injuries
- Reduced earning potential in the future due to disability
- Pain and suffering due to the victim’s injuries
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
Talk to a Drowsy Driving Accident Attorney in Texas Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver in Texas, and you’re struggling to cope with serious injuries, you need the advice of an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC are prepared to advocate for our client’s right to compensation and pursue the total settlement amount they need and deserve. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.
