Driver fatigue causes hundreds of thousands of accidents each year in Brookhaven. If a tired driver crashed into you, you’ll need legal help. Proving driver fatigue is challenging, but it’s very possible. Talk to a car accident lawyer today about your options.
Driver fatigue accidents often cause severe injuries or death. You probably have medical bills, lost income, and more. Thankfully, you can seek financial recovery through an injury claim.
John Foy & Associates can help. With 20-plus years of experience, we know how to build strong cases.
If you have questions after an accident, our Brookhaven car accident lawyer is here to help.
Driver Fatigue Is Dangerous in Brookhaven
A tired driver is low on sleep and rest. Drivers who are prone to fatigue include:
- Late-shift workers
- Commercial drivers, such as truckers
- Those who travel a lot for work
- Young drivers
- Those with sleep disorders
- Overly-stressed drivers
Driver fatigue is a type of impairment. When someone is drowsy or tired, they cannot think clearly. A tired driver will have problems with:
- Low reaction time
- Decreased alertness
- Impaired judgment
- Increased irritability
- Blurry vision
- Delayed reaction
Driver fatigue can cause someone to fall asleep at the wheel. This is incredibly dangerous—even fatal. A drowsy driver puts themselves and everyone on the road at risk.
Motorists in Brookhaven have a responsibility to be careful. If someone gets behind the wheel while tired, they’re making a choice. They are putting others at risk.
If drowsy driving caused your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the costs. You can file a personal injury claim for financial recovery.
Fatigued Driving Is Similar to Drunk Driving
We can easily compare fatigued driving to drunk or distracted driving. Rather than drugs, alcohol, or texting, the danger is lack of sleep. Unfortunately, it’s hard to prove sleepiness than drug or alcohol impairment.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, a fatigued driver can act similarly to a drunk driver:
- Someone awake for 18 hours has an impairment equal to 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
- Being awake for 24 hours is equal to 0.10 BAC.
For reference, the legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08. So, fatigued driving can make someone act like a drunk driver. The driver’s reaction time, attention, and more are affected.
Proving Driver Fatigue After an Accident
Unfortunately, there is no breath or blood test for driver fatigue (like for drunk driving). Proving that the other driver is tired can be challenging. But a car accident lawyer will know how to gather evidence.
Your lawyer might use evidence like:
- The driver’s work logs
- A truck’s recording device records
- Eyewitness statements about the driver’s actions
- Your account of the driver’s behavior
- The driver’s cell phone or text records
A lawyer can determine the best evidence to gather based on your case. Contact a lawyer today to discuss your options. Get started as soon as possible before it’s harder to collect information.
John Foy & Associates can get you started today with a FREE consultation. Our lawyers do not charge a fee, so working with us is risk-free.
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What Causes Drowsy Driving in Brookhaven
Many factors can contribute to drowsy driving. Most driver fatigue accidents involve commercial drivers. However, anyone can suffer from drowsy driving that becomes dangerous.
Here are some of the most common causes we see.
Long Work Hours
Truckers and other commercial drivers work long hours. Even with regulations, truck drivers complete long shifts. They’re out on the road for extended periods, often overnight.
Long work hours can easily lead to fatigue. Even with short breaks, it’s easy to become drowsy. Drivers can cause an accident if they’re not careful to stay alert.
Work Pressure
Commercial drivers often feel pressure from their employers. For example, trucking companies set strict deadlines for truck drivers.
If a driver misses a deadline or is late on a shift, they might face severe penalties. Plus, many drivers receive pay by the mile (instead of the hour). Per-mile income encourages truckers to stay on the road long, even while exhausted.
Drivers must falsify rest records to drive for longer. Tragically, this puts everyone at risk for an accident.
Substance Use
Some drivers will use drugs or alcohol to stay awake longer. Or, they might use substances to handle the stress of their job. A driver might use drugs like:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
Of course, a driver cannot be safe while consuming drugs or alcohol. They impair all of the necessary functions for safe driving. Plus, these substances often make driver fatigue worse over time.
Employer Negligence
Sometimes, the driver’s employer is just as much to blame. The employer might encourage drivers to falsify records. Or, the employer could improperly train drivers to work for longer.
If an employer contributes to driver fatigue, you might have a case against the company. Talk to a lawyer about your options.
Sleep Disorders
Some drivers have undiagnosed sleep disorders. Without proper treatment, a sleep disorder is hazardous, especially if the person drives for a living.
If the driver knows about their sleep disorder, they must manage it. Failing to manage their condition is a clear sign of negligence. The driver would be at fault for any accident they cause.
Stressful Lifestyles
Many people are just not getting enough rest. Work pressure, home stress, and more can keep us from resting properly. Unfortunately, a fatigued lifestyle is risky for those on the road.
If a driver’s fatigue causes an accident, they are responsible. You might have a personal injury claim for compensation. Talk to a lawyer today about your options.
Get Help from a Brookhaven Car Accident Lawyer Today
Driver fatigue accidents are complicated. You might not know how to show that the other driver was tired. But you don’t have to handle your case alone.
Our car accident lawyers can help. At John Foy & Associates, we bring 20-plus years of experience to the table. We understand the difficulty of building a car accident claim. Our lawyers will work to protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
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