Driver fatigue happens more often than people realize in Smyrna. Drowsiness can occur quickly, and it might not be apparent right after an accident. If driver fatigue contributed to your accident, contact a Smyrna car accident lawyer.
You might need help from a legal professional. A lawyer can help you show how the other driver’s drowsiness caused your accident. They can also help you build and file the insurance claim.
John Foy & Associates has been supporting accident victims for 20-plus years. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case, so there is no risk to you. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Facts About Driver Fatigue
A study from the AAA Foundation found that driver fatigue contributes to:
- One in six (16.5%) of fatal accidents.
- One in eight (13.1%) of accidents requiring hospitalization.
- One in fourteen (seven percent) of accidents where a car has to be towed.
These numbers are higher than estimates from earlier years. Plus, experts suggest that driver fatigue contributes to more accidents than the figures show. Drowsiness and fatigue are not as easy to track as other negligence, such as drunk driving.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 25 adult drivers have reported falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days.
Driver fatigue is clearly a problem. If it contributed to your accident, you have rights. You might be entitled to compensation. Talk to a car accident lawyer about your options today.
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The Dangers of a Drowsy Driving in Smyrna
Driver fatigue is incredibly likely to cause accidents. A drowsy driver cannot stay attentive to the road. If a hazard comes up, the driver is not ready to avoid it.
Fatigued drivers often drift in and out of their traffic lanes. Before they wake up enough to realize it, it’s often too late. Plus, many fatigued accidents happen at close to full speeds.
Drowsy or fatigued driving can lead to:
- Head-on crashes
- Side-swipe accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
Even if the driver wakes up before the crash, they might jerk their wheel to overcorrect. The driver could hit several people, causing severe injuries or death.
What Causes a Fatigued Driver in Smyrna
There are several characteristics that fatigued drivers tend to have in common. Many drowsy drivers are:
- Not getting enough consistent sleep.
- Shift workers who work overnight or for long hours.
- Commercial drivers who drive for a living, such as truck or bus drivers.
- On medications that cause drowsiness.
- People with untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy.
Many young drivers also tend to fall asleep behind the wheel. This could be due to factors like inexperience, lack of sleep, and being out too late.
Alcohol can cause sleepiness, so people who regularly consume alcohol are also at risk for drowsy driving. If someone causes your accident while intoxicated, you also have a drunk driving case. Talk to a lawyer about your options today.
Driver fatigue accidents also tend to happen:
- On high-speed roads.
- During mid-afternoon, late night, or early morning.
- When drivers are alone in their cars.
Every accident is unique. Your legal options will depend on the details of your situation. But if you suspect fatigue led to your accident, talk to a lawyer immediately.
How to Show that the Other Driver Was Fatigued
Proving driver fatigue isn’t always easy. You will need to investigate your accident and gather information. An experienced car accident lawyer will know where to start.
Evidence that can help your case includes:
- Witness statements about the driver’s behavior.
- Pictures from the accident scene showing skid mark patterns or the positions of the cars.
- Event data recorder (EDR) information from the driver’s car.
- Cell phone records from the driver.
- A prescription showing the driver was taking drugs that cause drowsiness.
Your lawyer will know where to start when gathering information. Proving that the other driver was drowsy can be difficult. However, experienced lawyers have many tools for gathering evidence.
Contact a Smyrna car accident lawyer today to discuss your case. John Foy & Associates is happy to provide a FREE, no-risk consultation. If you decide to work with us, there is no charge unless we win your case.
To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Get the Compensation You Deserve After Your Accident
After a car accident in Smyrna, you will have damages. Your damages are the costs or losses from your injuries. To have a personal injury case, you must have a physical injury.
If a driver fatigue accident injured you, you can seek compensation. When you file your claim, you’ll need to show damages like:
- Doctor bills
- Other medical expenses, such as medications
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You will need to prove some of these losses through documentation. Save all bills and receipts that show your costs. Other damages — like pain and suffering — do not require documentation. However, you will need an experienced lawyer who can calculate those losses.
Also, be wary of the insurance company. After the accident, the driver’s insurer might contact you. They have one goal: paying you as little as possible. If you talk to them at all, be careful what you say.
It’s best to avoid the insurance company until you have a lawyer. Your lawyer can handle all communication. If the insurer offers you a lowball settlement, your lawyer will know how to negotiate for you.
Talk to a Smyrna Car Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We are one of the largest and most respected injury firms in Georgia for a reason. We do not back down to the insurance companies; we fight hard for you.
If driver fatigue caused your accident, contact us today. We’ll get started with a FREE consultation. Plus, we won’t collect a fee unless you recover money — no need to worry about upfront or out-of-pocket costs.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today for your FREE consultation.
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