Sleep is essential for all drivers in Atlanta, particularly for truck drivers. When a driver is tired, the effects are similar to drunk driving. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident because of a tired truck driver, you have rights. Talk to an Atlanta fatigued truck driver accident lawyer today.
Speak with our Georgia truck accident lawyer today for more information about your claim.
John Foy & Associates is here to help. We have a 20-plus-year history of helping accident victims win what they deserve. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers lawyers will listen to your situation and go over your options.
There is no fee for you unless we win your case. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call or contact us online.
Why Fatigued Drivers Are So Dangerous in Atlanta
Sleep deprivation is risky for any motorist. You can contact an Atlanta personal injury lawyer if a drowsy driver strikes you. Keep in mind that:
- According to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, drowsy driving is similar to drunk driving. If a motorist hasn’t slept in 24 hours, their impairment is the same as a drunk driver.
- According to the National Sleep Foundation, a driver who has been awake for 18 hours drives like someone with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05.
- A driver who’s been awake for 24 hours drives like a BAC of 0.10. (The legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08, but any amount of alcohol is unsafe while driving.)
Getting less than seven hours of sleep makes someone about twice as likely to cause an accident. The risk increases as the driver gets less sleep. This fact is scary, as many people fail to get enough rest.
Like drunk driving, fatigued driving can cause:
- Slower reaction times
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Impaired fine motor skills
- Trouble processing information
- Aggressive driving behaviors
Commercial drivers are especially at risk for fatigued driving. When someone drives a car or truck for work, they must be well-rested and alert. Unfortunately, not all drivers get the rest they need.
If a tired commercial driver caused your accident, call a lawyer. You’ll need someone who can help you build a strong injury case. You should not have to pay for the costs of the crash.
Causes of Fatigued Driving in Atlanta
Drivers can become fatigued for many reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons for drowsy driving accidents.
Lack of Sleep
Adult drivers need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Some people need eight hours or more. Even a slight sleep deficit can start causing issues with driving.
A chronically sleepy driver is dangerous on Atlanta roads. They’re more likely to make small mistakes that endanger everyone.
Disrupted Sleep Cycle
Even if someone gets enough sleep total sleep per night, they might have sleep disruption. For example, someone might wake a person up in the middle of the night. This disturbance can prevent the sleeper from waking up well-rested.
An unbalanced circadian rhythm can also cause daytime fatigue. Humans have a natural circadian rhythm that causes us to feel sleepy at certain times of the day. If a driver has a disorder or works a night shift, it messes with their natural rhythm and makes fatigued driving more common.
Drugs or Alcohol
When anyone is using drugs or alcohol while driving, it’s incredibly dangerous. These substances cause drowsiness and fatigue, which impacts driving ability.
Certain Medications
Some medications cause drowsiness and are not safe to use while driving. Even some over-the-counter medicines are unsafe to take while behind the wheel.
Drivers should listen carefully to their doctor when receiving a prescription. If a medication is not okay to use while driving, the patient should follow those instructions. Otherwise, the driver can cause a fatigued driving accident.
Sleep Disorders
Common sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Sleepwalking
- Restless leg syndrome
Some drivers have undiagnosed sleep disorders. These conditions are especially concerning because the driver might not understand their risk. If a driver has sleep issues, they should see a doctor before driving regularly.
Other life situations can lead to fatigued driving. No matter the cause, each driver is responsible for their actions. If someone’s drowsy driving caused your accident, they are liable.
To learn more about your legal rights, contact an Atlanta fatigued driving accident lawyer. We’ll help you build a strong injury case for compensation. To schedule a FREE consultation, call or contact us online.
How to Seek Compensation After a Fatigued Truck Driving Accident
When truck driver causes an accident, they are liable for the damages. The truck driver’s auto insurance company should cover the costs. As the accident victim, you must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Before filing a claim, you’ll need to build your case. You’ll also need to prove that:
- The tired driver was negligent,
- The truck driver’s fatigue led to your accident, and
- You suffered injuries and damages from the collision.
It’s best to contact a fatigued driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will provide the best chance at full compensation for your costs. However, here are some actions you can take to build your claim, too.
Report the Accident (and the Driver’s Actions)
Call the police to report your accident. Do not leave the scene without reporting the crash. When the police arrive, tell them that you suspect the other driver was sleepy behind the wheel.
The responding officer should create an accident report. If the officer notes signs of fatigue in the other driver, they might include this in their account. Sometimes, the other driver will admit that they were sleepy.
The police might give the driver a drug or alcohol test. This test is helpful because it will either show that:
- A substance impaired the driver, or
- The driver’s lack of impairment could suggest drowsy driving.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
Talk to anyone who witnessed your accident. Witnesses might have noticed the driver’s drowsiness too.
Ask for the witnesses’ names and contact information. Your lawyer will reach out to them for statements.
Document the Accident Scene
Take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
If there were any dashcams or surveillance cameras, tell your lawyer. You can work to get copies of the footage to show what occurred.
Atlanta Roots, Nationwide Reach.
Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
Talk to an Atlanta Fatigued Truck Driver Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Fatigued truck driving accidents can be incredibly dangerous. If you or a loved one were a victim, get the help you need. John Foy & Associates will help you pursue recovery for medical costs, lost wages, and more.
Our attorneys do not charge a fee unless we win your case. We also bring 20-plus years of experience to the table. To discuss your accident and how we’ll help, call us for a FREE consultation.
To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
August 28 2019 
100% Confidential 
No Fees Unless We Win 
24/7 Support 
