Many people underestimate the dangers of fatigued driving in Sandy Springs. Stress and lack of sleep are unfortunately common in our society, affecting our driving abilities. However, drivers have a responsibility to avoid drowsiness behind the wheel for everyone’s safety.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you have legal rights. You might deserve full compensation for your accident costs. The fatigued driver has been negligent, and they might owe you compensation.
Our driver fatigue accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win cases. To learn your options during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Dangers of Driving While Fatigued
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowsy driving is a serious problem. About one in 25 drivers say they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel within the last 30 days.
Sleep can overcome the body at any time when someone’s drowsy, causing an accident within moments. A drowsy driver has delayed reaction times and cannot properly focus on the road. By the time a fatigued driver wakes up, it’s often too late—they have already caused a serious or deadly accident.
Common dangers of driver fatigue include:
- Lowered reaction time
- Decreased alertness
- Poor decision-making
- Impaired judgment
- Blurry vision
- Irritability or aggression
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Causes of Fatigued Driving in Sandy Springs
Anyone can succumb to fatigued driving. However, certain groups are more likely to drive while fatigued:
- Commercial drivers, such as semi-truck drivers and bus drivers
- Those who get less than six hours of sleep within 24 hours
- People who work long shift or night shifts
- Lyft, Uber, and other ridesharing drivers
- Drivers with sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea
- Those who drive while taking medications that cause drowsiness
All drivers have a duty to drive responsibly. That includes acting in a way that doesn’t cause harm. When someone gets behind the wheel while fatigued, they are putting themselves and everyone else at risk. This is known as negligence.
The negligent driver in an accident is legally liable for the damages. If a fatigued driver caused your accident, you can seek compensation from their insurance company through an injury claim.
Liability in Car Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue in Sandy Springs
All drivers in Sandy Springs have a “duty of care” towards others, which includes driving while alert. When a driver fails in their duty and causes an accident, they are responsible for the damages.
Our experienced lawyers at John Foy & Associates know how to determine liability. We can investigate your accident to prove what happened and who was at fault. Our process might involve steps like:
- Gathering evidence from the scene
- Interviewing witnesses
- Looking at the driver’s work schedule and actions before the accident
- Getting copies of video surveillance footage
We can also communicate with the insurance company for you. Insurance companies do not like to pay much on injury claims. After your accident, the insurance adjuster will look for ways to reduce your compensation.
John Foy & Associates has a reputation as the “Strong Arm” throughout Georgia. We are not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for what you deserve. To learn more about your rights and our process, reach out today.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get your free consultation today.
How People Can Avoid Driver Fatigue
Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. A drowsy driver is not fit to make important decisions and avoid hazards. All motorists in Sandy Springs should know about the dangers of driving while fatigued.
Here are some things drivers can do to avoid fatigued driving:
- Get at least seven hours of restful sleep per night.
- See a sleep specialist if you have trouble getting enough restful sleep.
- Do not drive when you’re feeling fatigued or low on sleep. If you can, have someone else drive you.
- Do not drink alcohol before driving, even if it’s within the legal limit.
- Consider drinking caffeine to help you stay alert. However, know that caffeinated drinks and foods do not make up for lack of sleep.
- Know about any precautions for medications, including prescription and over-the-counter. Some medications can cause tiredness and are not to be used while driving.
- If you start to feel fatigued while driving, pull over in a safe place. Take a nap for 20 minutes or so before trying to drive again.
Driving comes with responsibilities. Both regular and commercial drivers should make sure they are safe to drive before getting on the road. If someone fails to drive safely and causes an accident, they are liable.
Damages to Claim from a Driver Fatigue Accident
A car accident will usually leave you with damages like:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you were not at fault, you are entitled to compensation. It’s important to consider all that you have lost because of the accident. Your insurance claim should seek compensation for any damages you have because of the crash.
Our attorneys can make sure we include every loss after your accident. As an accident victim, the law is on your side—and you might deserve 100% compensation.
Consult with a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by driver fatigue, you have legal rights. We urge you to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. You’ll need to know your rights and how to seek compensation for what you’ve lost.
At John Foy & Associates, we want you to feel confident in the legal services you choose. We bring 20-plus years of experience to the table, and we don’t charge you a thing unless we win you money. Contact us today to get matched with the best attorney for your needs.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a free consultation today.
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