Driving while fatigued is incredibly dangerous. And yet, many motorists in Stonecrest operate cars and trucks while drowsy or underslept. Many people don’t realize the hazards of driving while too tired until it’s too late.
If your car accident was caused by driver fatigue, contact our Stonecrest lawyers. We can help prove the driver’s fault and fight for your compensation rights. With 20-plus years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE consultation. There is no charge until we win your case. Even then, our fee is simply a percentage of what we win for you.
The Meaning of Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is another word for drowsy or tired driving. It often results from not getting enough sleep or quality rest. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatigue impairs drivers similarly to alcohol.
Many drivers underestimate the dangers of fatigue on the road. Driver fatigue can lead to issues like:
- Lowered alertness
- Delayed reaction times
- Cloudy judgment
- Blurred vision
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Extreme irritability
- Drifting into other lanes
- Making wrong turns
All of the above can affect one’s ability to drive safely. A drowsy driver is impaired in significant ways. They’re more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents.
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Common Accidents Caused by Driving Fatigue
Fatigue-related accidents can lead to incidents like:
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-swipe accidents
- Running red lights
- Unsafe lane change accidents
If someone falls asleep while driving, the situation can become deadly quickly. A sleepy driver cannot stay alert enough to avoid dangerous conditions. With a delayed reaction time, it’s often impossible to prevent a potential accident.
Drowsy Driving Facts
According to the CDC, 37% of workers in the U.S. got less than seven hours of sleep. That’s less than the recommended amount per night.
There are about 100,000 police-reported accidents involving driver fatigue. However, experts believe the real numbers are much higher. It’s often challenging to know when driver fatigue leads to an accident.
Drowsy driving can affect anyone on the road. However, the following people are most likely to get into fatigue-related accidents:
- Overnight or shift workers
- Commercial drivers, such as truck drivers
- Males between the ages of 17 and 23
- Those with sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia
- Drivers who get fewer than six hours of sleep
All of the above are risk factors for driver fatigue accidents. If another driver caused your accident, the crash might involve these factors. For example, fatigue is common in commercial truck accidents.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help if driver fatigue caused your car accident. We know how to gather evidence of what occurred.
Learn more today during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What Leads to Driver Fatigue
Many factors can contribute to driver fatigue, including:
- Not getting enough sleep
- Being awake for too many hours in a row
- Driving late at night or in the early morning
- Sleep disorders
- Prescription or over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness
- Work that involves long driving periods
- Use of drugs or alcohol
Knowing what caused a driver’s fatigue can help your case. For example, many shift workers are on the road at all hours. Commercial drivers also work for long periods without sufficient rest.
More than one party could be at fault for driver fatigue. If the driver is a worker, their employer could be partially at fault. Trucking companies often set strict schedules for their drivers, for instance.
Despite federal regulations, drivers or companies might cut corners to move products faster. Drivers might go out on the roads without proper rest or break periods.
Ways to Prevent Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue can cause an accident in any situation. Drivers and passengers might prevent accidents through preventative measures like:
- Getting at least seven hours of sleep per night
- Pulling over and taking a short nap if you get drowsy while driving
- Avoiding alcohol or drugs
- Not driving while on medications that cause drowsiness
- Avoiding any driving while tired
- Possibly utilizing caffeine but knowing that it’s not a substitute for sleep
All motorists must drive in a way that does not cause harm. That includes getting proper rest and not putting others in potential danger. If a driver’s fatigue leads to your accident, contact a Stonecrest lawyer.
Your Rights After an Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue
Driving while tired is a type of negligence. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-2, negligence is a lack of care. If a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they are responsible for the damages.
Personal injury damages include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Medication costs
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
You might be eligible for financial compensation. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for your damages. Most of the time, you can reach a settlement with the insurance company.
After your accident, the insurer might offer a lowball settlement. Even if you’re hurting for money, don’t accept an offer without consulting a lawyer. You likely deserve much more than the first offer will cover.
Also, complete all medical treatment before filing a claim, if you can. You will need to know all of your injury costs before you seek compensation. An experienced lawyer can make sure you’re fighting for what you deserve.
Don’t Miss the Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, you must bring a legal case within two years of a car accident. If you wait too long, you might be unable to recover anything at all. Get started on your case as soon as possible.
Talk to a Stonecrest Car Accident Lawyer for Free
Driver fatigue is a common cause of car accidents. At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping those injured in similar accidents for over 20 years. As the “Strong Arm,” we’re not afraid to fight for what you deserve.
Contact us today to get started with a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
