Dunwoody
Driver Fatigue Car Accident Lawyer

Driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as drunk driving in Dunwoody. Fatigue or drowsiness can cause serious accidents, injuries, and even deaths. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a fatigued driver, you have legal rights.

A knowledgeable Dunwoody driver fatigue accident lawyer can help. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you build a strong personal injury claim to recover your costs. If you lost a loved one, you could have a wrongful death case.

Learn your options during a free consultation. There is no charge unless we win you compensation.

Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free.

What Driver Fatigue Means

Fatigued driving is when a motorist is too tired to drive safely. Although drunk and distracted driving gets more attention, driver fatigue can be just as dangerous. The drowsiness creates an impairment that puts everyone on the road at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 91,000 auto accidents involving fatigued driving in 2017. Some experts believe these numbers are actually higher. Sadly, that makes sense because driver fatigue can lead to:

• Reduced reaction time
• Decreased alertness
• Cloudy judgment
• Poor thinking skills
• Blurred vision
• And more

When Driver Fatigue Is Most Likely

Fatigued driving can happen at any time. But three factors are most common in driver fatigue accidents. These crashes occur most often:

• Between midnight and 6 am or during late afternoons
• When one driver runs off the road while driving fast
• On highways and rural roads
• With male drivers between ages 17 and 23
• With drivers who have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or insomnia
• With drivers who work overnight or have unusual working schedules

Getting less than six hours of sleep per night also puts you at risk of driver fatigue. Unfortunately, many people do not get this much sleep, which makes them a hazard. Driver fatigue is also very common with commercial drivers, such as truck drivers.

How Drivers Should Avoid Fatigued Driving

All drivers should know about the dangers of driver fatigue. They should work to avoid anything that impairs safe driving, including drowsiness. Here are the best ways to prevent driver fatigue on Dunwoody roads:

• Get restful sleep for between seven and eight hours per night.
• Avoid driving at all when you feel drowsy. If possible, have someone else drive.
• Avoid any type of alcohol before driving.
• Have some caffeine, but remember that it only lasts for short periods.
• Never drive after taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness.
• If you start feeling tired, pull over and take a 20-plus minute nap before driving more.

These are just a few ways drivers can be responsible. Even a moment of drowsiness can lead to a severe accident. The crash can cause life-threatening injuries or deaths, and the drowsy driver could be responsible for the costs.

If a fatigued driver caused your accident, you can seek compensation under Georgia Code § 51-12-4. The driver chose to get behind the wheel while they were tired. If they caused your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs. You can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance.

A Dunwoody car accident lawyer can help you fight for the recovery you deserve. Your lawyer will help you build a strong injury claim and determine your damages. To learn more, call John Foy & Associates at (404) 400-4000 for a free consultation.

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Fatigued driving can have long-term or deadly consequences. For example, other drivers and passengers can suffer life-threatening or disabling injuries. In the worst situations, people lost their lives. A drowsy driver does not have control over their driving abilities, which can lead to terrible collisions.

Driver fatigue can be hard to recognize. Compared to drunk driving, there is no breath or blood test to see if someone is low on sleep. Without good evidence, it’s hard to show how a driver’s fatigue led to your accident.

Don’t give up, though. You can gather information from your accident to show the driver’s fault. Always report the accident to the police, and tell officers about the driver’s behavior. If there were any eyewitnesses, they might have noticed the driver seems fatigued too. A car accident lawyer can help you gather the correct information for your case.

Legal Liability in a Fatigued Driver Accident

All drivers have a “duty of care” to not cause harm to others. If someone gets behind the wheel while tired, they are failing in their duty. When you file your injury claim, you must show how the driver’s carelessness led to your accident.

The legal term for lack of care is negligence. Here are the four parts of a negligence claim:

• The drowsy driver owed you a duty of care.
• The driver failed in their duty of care by driving while tired.
• The driver’s negligence caused your accident.
• You suffered injuries and damages from the crash.

An experienced lawyer can help you prove each of these parts. They’ll gather evidence to support each step of your claim and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

If you didn’t cause your accident, you are not responsible for the costs. You might be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Speak with a Dunwoody Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer Today

Car accidents caused by driver fatigue are frustrating. The driver or their insurance company might challenge your claim, such as saying you made up the drowsy driving. However, you know what happened, and you have rights.

You might be eligible to fully recover your accident costs like medical bills, lost wages, and more. The best way to know your options is by talking to a Dunwoody car accident lawyer.

John Foy & Associates is here to help. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong cases. We’ll do whatever it takes to fight for your rights. To get started with a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.