Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving in Johns Creek. Driver fatigue is really common, especially with commercial truck drivers. If a drowsy driver’s actions led to your accident, talk to a Johns Creek fatigued driver accident lawyer about compensation.
You might be entitled to money if another driver caused your accident. But proving driver fatigue is rarely easy. You’ll probably need help from an experienced lawyer who can help you build a strong injury claim.
Reach out today to discuss your rights during a free consultation. Our team will answer your questions and talk about how we can help. We also don’t collect a fee unless we win you compensation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free.
The Dangers of Fatigued Driving
According to the Sleep Foundation, a fatigued driver is similar to a drunk driver. In the context of driving, lack of sleep affects your body a lot like alcohol:
- Being awake for a full 18 hours is like having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05.
- Being awake for 24 hours is like having a BAC of 0.10.
Driving with a BAC of 0.08 or more is considered drunk driving. As you can see, even a small amount of sleep deprivation comes close to drunk driving levels.
Drowsy driving is dangerous because of the effect it has on driving. Sleep driving can lead to:
- Slower reaction times
- Poor decision-making
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Aggressiveness or irritability
Unfortunately, driver fatigue is prevalent with commercial drivers who operate a vehicle for a living. Commercial truck drivers work for long hours, traveling thousands of miles. They must also handle an enormous vehicle that’s often carrying heavy or hazardous materials.
All drivers in Johns Creek have a duty of care towards each other. That includes getting enough sleep to be well-rested and alert. If a fatigued driver caused your accident, you have rights. You likely deserve compensation for the damage the other driver caused.
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Causes of Fatigued Driving
There are many reasons a driver can become drowsy, including:
- Working for long hours, especially as a commercial driver
- Getting six or fewer hours of sleep each night
- Untreated sleep disorders, such as insomnia
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Over-the-counter or prescription medications that cause sleepiness
No matter the cause of drowsy driving, it’s dangerous to everyone on the road. A tired driver can make mistakes like:
- Swerving on the road
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Failing to yield to other drivers
- Excessive speeding
- Running a red light or yield sign
Truck accidents often happen because of driver fatigue.
Although there are regulations for how long truck drivers can work, fatigue-related crashes still happen. Truck drivers or their employers might cut corners to continue working. Or a driver might fail to get enough rest in between shifts.
Gathering Evidence After a Fatigued Driver Accident
Evidence is important after a truck accident. If another driver caused your injuries, you will need to build an injury claim. That requires proof of the accident, the driver’s actions, and your damages.
When you contact a Johns Creek fatigued driver accident lawyer, they’ll start investigating the accident. That might include actions like:
- Going to the scene of the accident
- Interviewing any eyewitnesses
- Getting traffic camera or surveillance footage from near the scene
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing the driver’s logs, driving history, and black box data
- Getting copies of your medical records and other damages
A lawyer will use what they gather to build your case. They’ll also help protect you from any insurance company tactics.
How Truck Accident Lawyers Handle Insurance Companies
The insurance company of the at-fault party is usually at fault for the accident. When a truck driver is at fault, the driver’s or employer’s insurance company is typically liable. But the insurance company will look for ways to pay less than you deserve.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Downplaying your accident injuries
- Questioning or challenging your damages
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Using something you’ve said against you
- Asking you to give a recorded statement or sign something
Remember that the insurance company is not on your side. Insurance companies care most about one thing: profit. When a policyholder causes an accident, the insurer will spring into action. The company will look for ways to reduce what they pay on an accident claim.
Our truck accident lawyers know how to handle insurance companies. In fact, our founder is known as the “Strong Arm” for a reason. We don’t back down when fighting for the settlement you deserve.
Reach out to our team today. We’ll discuss your accident and how we can help. If you choose to work with us, there is no fee unless we win you money.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
Common Fatigued Driver Accident Damages
Damages from an accident with a fatigued driver tend to be severe. A tired driver is not in control of themselves or their vehicle. If the driver falls asleep behind the wheel, they could cause an accident before they even wake up.
If you were injured in this type of accident, take each loss seriously. Consider any personal injury damages like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medication costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Medical bills are usually the most significant accident damages. Treatment costs can total tens of thousands of dollars or more. At the same time, injuries can prevent you from working and making income. In many cases, an accident victim must quit their job or find lower-paying work.
Non-economic damages are also common. For example, the accident could leave you with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. These damages don’t have a set dollar amount, but a lawyer can help you calculate them.
Talk to a Johns Creek Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer Today
After a fatigued driver accident, you’ll need to know all of your damages. You’ll also need to file a strong injury claim for the compensation you deserve.
Thankfully, you don’t have to handle the legal side of things alone. John Foy & Associates can help. We’ll help you build a strong claim and protect your rights.
Learn more about how we can help you during a free consultation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today.
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