Too many people in Marietta fail to get a good night’s sleep. Tragically, lack of sleep is dangerous while driving. The risk of a car accident increases when a driver is fatigued. If you had a Marietta car accident that was caused by driver fatigue, contact a lawyer.
The driver who caused your accident is responsible for your costs. John Foy & Associates can help you build a case for financial compensation. You should not have to bear the expenses of a crash you didn’t cause.
Our car accident lawyers have 20-plus years of experience. We know what it takes to win cases.
The Dangers of Driver Fatigue in Marietta
According to drowsy driving facts from the National Sleep Foundation:
- Fatigued driving leads to about 100,000 police-reported accidents each year. (Experts believe those numbers are actually higher).
- Drowsy driving causes over 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and costs $12.5 billion.
- 50% of American adults have reported driving while tired.
- About 20% of adults say they have fallen asleep while driving in the past year.
The statistics are likely higher. Many drivers might be afraid to admit falling asleep while driving. Plus, it can be hard to prove that someone was sleepy behind the wheel.
Driver fatigue can be as dangerous as drunk or distracted driving. A sleepy driver cannot make quick decisions on the road. They will also have delayed reaction time, be more prone to aggressiveness, and make careless mistakes that cause accidents.
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Protect Your Rights After a Fatigued Driver Accident
If a fatigued driver caused your accident, you have rights. You might be entitled to compensation for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
However, the other driver and their insurance company might make things difficult. The driver might deny that their drowsiness caused your accident. They might even try to blame you instead.
The insurance company will also look for ways to undervalue your claim. They will question your evidence and your damages. Thankfully, there are ways you can protect yourself.
A Marietta car accident lawyer can help you build a case and protect your rights. Experienced lawyers know how to stand up to the insurance companies. To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers, contact us today.
Common Causes of Driver Fatigue in Marietta
Driver fatigue can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes we see include:
- Long work hours
- Overnight driving jobs
- Getting fewer than six hours of sleep each night
- Long driving distances
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Drug or alcohol use
Driver fatigue is especially common for shift workers. Those who work overnight must drive home when it’s late, and they’re exhausted. The chances of falling asleep behind the wheel are much higher.
Truckers also work long hours, driving enormous distances. Trucking companies are supposed to allow rest breaks for drivers. But strict deadlines might lead drivers to forgo breaks and drive while fatigued.
How to Know If Driver Fatigue Caused Your Car Accident
Proving driver fatigue can be difficult. That’s why we highly recommend contacting a car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer will know where to start and how to show the other driver’s negligence.
Driver fatigue accidents fall under Georgia tort law (Georgia Code Section 51-1-1):
- All motorists have a duty to drive safely on Marietta roads.
- When a driver gets behind the wheel while fatigued, it’s a form of negligence.
- If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, the driver is legally responsible.
- As the injured party, you can file a claim against the fatigued driver for your costs.
Your lawyer will look for ways to prove that the driver was fatigued. They might gather evidence from the scene, talk to witnesses, or look at work logs. Talk to your lawyer about specific plans for supporting your claim.
Get Fair Compensation for Your Accident Damages
You might deserve full compensation for your accident costs. Unfortunately, the insurance company won’t care. The fatigued driver’s insurer might use tactics like:
- Offering you a lowball settlement right after the accident
- Downplaying your injuries and other damages
- Blaming you for the accident
- Trying to intimidate you into accepting a lower settlement
- Making you feel like you don’t need a lawyer
Remember: Insurance companies are not on your side. The insurance adjuster will be looking for ways to pay you less. They know that you are probably desperate for money to cover your costs.
Be very careful never to accept the first settlement offer. The first offer is usually a lowball, and it won’t cover all of your expenses. A car accident lawyer will calculate your damages so that you know how a fair settlement looks.
If you get a lowball settlement, your lawyer can negotiate for a higher number. If you settle successfully, you’ll get paid what you deserve.
Don’t Miss the Statute of Limitations in Georgia
You have limited time to file a personal injury claim. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years. That means you have two years from your accident to submit your case.
Time goes fast after an accident. You will need to gather evidence and determine your damages. You might also need time to finish your medical treatment.
It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. They can help you build your case and stay within the statute of limitations.
Get a Free Consultation with a Marietta Car Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. We only work for injured individuals — never insurance companies. We are not afraid to stand up for your rights.
You do not pay us a fee unless we win your case. Contact us today to get matched with the best attorney for you.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
