How Sleepy Drivers Can Cause Horrific Car Accidents

 Posted on October 16,2019 in Fatigued Driver

When we think about negligent drivers, drunk driving or drugged driving often comes to mind. However, those under the influence of alcohol and drugs are not the only drivers who can cause serious and even deadly car accidents. In our busy world, about half of U.S. adults report not getting enough sleep at night. When a sleep-deprived driver gets behind the wheel of a car, the results can be catastrophic. In one survey, a shocking 40 percent of drivers admitted to actually falling asleep while driving at least once in their lifetime. Fatigued drivers who cause car accidents can be held legally responsible for the damages caused by the accident.

How Does Sleepiness Affect Driving?

If you are like most adults, you probably sleep fewer hours than you would like to. While it is extremely common, being sleep deprived can significantly harm your brain’s ability to properly function. Not getting adequate sleep can negatively affect cognition, alertness, decision-making, attention, and memory. 

One of the most common side effects of sleep deprivation is a slowed response speed which is especially dangerous for drivers. Being sleepy and being under the influence of alcohol can have a very similar effect on driving ability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about one out of every six fatal car accidents is caused by a fatigued driver. About 72,000 car crashes were caused by sleepy drivers in 2013 alone.

What to Do If You Were Injured in an Accident Caused by a Drowsy Driver

If you were hurt in an accident caused by a fatigue-impaired driver, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages. Personal injury claims typically stem from an act of negligence. A driver who is too sleepy to drive safely can be considered negligent if his or her inability to drive safely causes an accident. A driver who is found to be negligent may be liable for any damages caused by the accident. Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to get financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages due to missed work, and more. If you believe that your accident was caused by negligence, contact a qualified personal injury attorney right away.

Contact a Waukegan, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

To learn more about how a personal injury claim can help you after a car accident, contact Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. Our knowledgeable lawyers have more than 85 years of collective legal experience. We are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Lake County car accident lawyer by calling us at 847-662-3303 today.

Sources:

https://drowsydriving.org/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21075236