The Hidden Risk of Driving When Drowsy and Its Legal Consequences
If a drowsy driver injured you or someone you love, a car accident lawyer can help you hold them responsible for their actions. Your lawyer can explain drowsy driving’s hidden dangers on the roads and legal ramifications for injury victims.
Drowsy driving can leave you with serious injuries, ongoing medical bills, and significant property damage. It can also affect your ability to work and support yourself and your family. With legal guidance and support, you can recover damages that let you replace your damaged motorcycle and start putting your life back together.
Financial Recovery for Victims of Driving While Drowsy Accidents
Compensation for victims of fatigue-related accidents can cover a range of economic damages. In addition to medical bills, possible west palm beach motorcycle accident lawyer damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Property loss or diminishment
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
The legal consequences of drowsy driving include compensation for the injured party. A lawyer can help you document the value of your compensation request and avoid a speedy but insufficient settlement.
Commonly Reported Reasons Drowsy Drivers Get Behind the Wheel
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) drowsy driving statistics, drivers who attempt to operate a vehicle while fatigued may do so for the following reasons:
- Pressure to reach a destination in a specified timeframe
- Odd work hours, including graveyard shifts
- Sleep disorders and medication side effects
- Insufficient sleep before taking the wheel
- Drunk driving
- Lack of sleep and lack of quality sleep
This list is not exhaustive, as there can be other reasons a driver was not awake enough to drive. Evidence that can prove fatigue caused your accident can include driving records, dashcam footage, and witness statements. Your lawyer will collect this evidence for you.
How Drowsiness and Fatigue Affect Drivers on the Road
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, driver exhaustion can lead to:
- Impaired cognition
- Diminished performance
- Serious accidents
- Motorcyclist fatalities
- Lack of visibility
Even daylight savings time adjustments can increase drowsy driving accidents by depriving drivers of adequate sleep time. The legal team at the law firm you choose will investigate your accident to identify its cause and the at-fault driver’s negligence.
Warning Signs That a Driver May Be Drowsy or Fatigued
At first glance, it can be difficult to determine whether another driver on the road is drowsy. Potential signs and symptoms can include:
- Yawning, blinking, and nodding off
- Drifting or weaving in and out of their lane
- Intermittently speeding and slowing down
- Delayed reactions to traffic signs and signals
If a tired driver struck your vehicle, your lawyer can help you document their condition with a robust evidence collection.
The Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Serving Florida
Preparing your claim can be legally complex. You do not have to handle it without legal service and support. To bolster and support your case, a motorcycle accident lawyer will:
- Prove the at-fault driver’s negligence
- Assess the monetary value of your claim
- Calculate the value of your damages
- Handle all communication and documentation
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Canvass the accident scene for photos and video
- Negotiate a favorable monetary settlement
- Represent you in court if necessary
Your lawyer will handle the time-consuming process of evidence collection for you, including submitting your case file to the at-fault driver and their representative. They will also keep you updated on the progress of your case.
How Florida’s Statute of Limitations Applies to Your Drowsy Driving Case
Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a) generally gives you two years to file your injury or wrongful death lawsuit after a fort luderdale motor vehicle accident.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations could affect your case, including the injured party’s age and the at-fault party’s actions. These factors can make compliance challenging. A fort myers motorcycle accident lawyer can help you interpret and understand the new law and its application to your case.
Call Our Legal Team for a No-Cost, No-Obligation Drowsy Driving Accident Review
If you or someone you love was injured in a recent motorcycle accident caused by driver fatigue, we can help you build a strong case for financial recovery. Our legal team understands driving while drowsy, its hidden dangers, and its legal ramifications.Learn more about your rights as the injured party and the at-fault driver’s responsibilities by contacting our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
