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Half-Asleep At The Wheel: When A Drowsy Driver Causes An Accident

by Maurice Moore

Being tired is a huge problem. Unfortunately, being tired and driving can create a problem for those sharing the road. If you have been involved in an accident with a drowsy driver, that driver should be held accountable. Read on and find out more. 

Drowsy Driving: What is It?

Some people are drowsy because of being overworked, taking medication, having a new baby, and so on. The reasons for being drowsy are enumerable. The effect on a person's ability to drive, however, is the same regardless of the cause.

Drowsy driving can impact the driver's ability to:

  • Properly judge distances between vehicles and more.
  • Pay attention. Inattention and perhaps even falling asleep temporality are common with drowsy driving.
  • See clearly. Drowsy drivers may struggle with blurred vision.
  • Have a proper response time to braking, steering, and more.

Detecting Drowsy Driving

You cannot test a driver for being sleepy once an accident occurs. Some drivers will admit to being tired and maybe falling asleep while driving and causing an accident. If the driver that causes the accident happens to mention being tired while driving, it might be mentioned in the accident report. However, law enforcement has become better at identifying and criminally charging drivers who drive while sleepy. Drowsy driving can cause serious injuries and deaths. The effects of driving drowsy can be as bad as being impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Dealing With an Accident

You can still take action against a drowsy driver, even if they don't admit to it. You are owed compensation from the other driver's insurer no matter what caused the accident. However, when you speak to an attorney, don't forget to mention that you suspect drowsy driving. For example, a medical technician attending to the driver might mention within your hearing that the driver admitted to being sleepy. This is valuable evidence for your case. If it turns out that the driver was drowsy at the time of the accident, you could be paid for not only your usual damages but punitive damages as well.

Here is what you should do after an accident:

  1. Seek medical care even if you feel okay after the accident. You can only have a personal injury case if you were hurt or your property was damaged, and you will need proof of your injuries and the property damages for evidence.
  2. Don't speak about the accident with anyone but a personal injury attorney.
  3. Don't wait too long to call an attorney, it's vital to preserve evidence and that is best done as soon as possible.

Speak to a personal injury lawyer or you can find out more here.

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