Driver fatigue is a big problem in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia. When someone is tired behind the wheel, they’re more likely to cause severe accidents. If a fatigued driver caused your accident, talk to an Alpharetta driver fatigue accident lawyer.
Unlike drunk driving, there’s no test for driver fatigue. If you did not cause your accident, you will need to prove that the other driver was drowsy. You’ll also need to show evidence of your medical bills and additional costs.
John Foy & Associates can help you build a strong personal injury claim after your accident. With over 25 years of experience, we know how to win cases. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Our Alpharetta car accident lawyer can review what happened and explain your possible next steps.
Facts About Driver Fatigue Accidents in Alpharetta
Fatigued drivers lead to too many dangerous accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- About one in 25 adult drivers say they have fallen asleep while driving in the past 30 days.
- People who get six or fewer hours of sleep per night or who snore are more likely to fall asleep when driving.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows there were 795 drowsy driving deaths in 2017. However, the NHTSA says that fatigued driving accident numbers are underestimated. It’s not possible to know the exact amount of these accidents.
There is no test you can give a driver to prove they’re fatigued. If the driver who caused your crash seems tired, you’ll need to gather evidence.
Driver fatigue is so dangerous because it can cause:
- Impaired judgment
- Poor reaction time
- Blurry vision
- Decreased alertness
- Cloudy thinking
Anyone who isn’t careful can become fatigued or drowsy while driving. However, research has shown males between the ages of 17 and 23 are most at risk for fatigued driving. Those with sleep disorders and overnight workers are also more likely to fall asleep while driving.
Proving Driver Fatigue in Alpharetta
An experienced lawyer can help you show that driver fatigue caused your accident. You might need to gather evidence like:
- Pictures from the scene
- Eyewitness testimony
- Driver logs (if a commercial driver caused your accident)
- The police accident report
- Video surveillance at the scene
You might be able to get pictures or video of the driver showing they’re fatigued. Your lawyer can let you know what strong evidence will help your case.
Warning Signs of a Fatigued Driver
It’s essential to know how to spot a tired driver. Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Yawning a lot
- Blinking frequently
- Drifting to the left or right on the road
- Missing an exit
- Having trouble remembering where they were driving
- Hitting the rumble strip on the road
When you report the accident, tell the police about any of these signs. They can question the driver about their behavior.
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Common Causes of Driver Fatigue
Why does driver fatigue happen in the first place? There are several potential causes, including:
- Not getting enough (or high-quality) sleep
- Having an untreated sleep disorder like sleep apnea or narcolepsy
- Long shift work or night shifts
- Commercial driving jobs, such as truck drivers
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Drug or alcohol use while driving
Fatigued driving is especially common with commercial truck drivers. Truckers have extended work hours and monotonous shifts. They might even lie on their timesheets to skip sleep breaks and meet deadlines more quickly.
If a commercial driver caused your accident, you can try to get access to their timesheets. Their work activity might help you show that they were driving on too little sleep. If other people saw the drowsy behavior from the driver, their testimony can help.
Driver Liability in a Driver Fatigue Accident
All drivers have a duty of care to other motorists. Driving is a privilege, not a right. If someone does not drive safely in Alpharetta, they have been negligent.
Negligence is a legal term for carelessness, and it’s the cornerstone of a personal injury case. If a driver is negligent in an accident, they are responsible for the costs. When a driver’s fatigue leads to an accident, that driver is liable.
Car accidents lawyers work with investigators and other experts to show what happened. The other driver might deny their fatigue or try to blame you. But an experienced lawyer will know how to build a strong case.
Driver Fatigue Accident Damages
If a fatigued driver caused your accident, you have rights. You can file an injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can claim costs like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
You deserve compensation for all of the costs of your accident. The other driver’s insurer should cover any accident damages you didn’t cause.
Be Wary of the Insurance Company
Unfortunately, insurance companies will try to pay less than you deserve. They might blame you for the accident or doubt the severity of your injuries.
This is where a driver fatigue lawyer is so helpful. Your lawyer can strengthen your case by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident
- Compiling proof of the driver’s actions
- Handling all communication with the insurance company
- Making sure the insurer doesn’t take advantage of you
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Fighting for your right to full compensation
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 25 years of experience helping accident victims. We know how to build strong cases and win what you deserve. To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Talk to an Alpharetta Driver Fatigue Lawyer for Free Today
If you or someone you love suffered from a driver fatigue accident, we can help. Our experienced and compassionate lawyers will listen to your situation and discuss your options. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case, so there is no risk.
Contact John Foy & Associates today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
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