Drowsy driving is the very real and dangerous combination of driving and sleepiness or fatigue. Like taking alcohol or drugs, tiredness affects one’s ability to drive safely, and just like when someone is intoxicated, a tired individual should not get behind the wheel. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by drowsy driving, you may have a personal injury claim which can help you cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Please allow a drowsy driving accident lawyer from Payer & Associates to evaluate your car accident claim at absolutely no risk to you.
Risks of Drowsy Driving & Sleep-Related Car Crashes
With many people working multiple jobs and stretched to the last minute—and dollar—in today’s economy, drowsy driving is a big problem here in Miami and across the country. In addition to simply not getting enough sleep, drowsy driving may also be the result of an untreated sleep disorder, medications, and drinking alcohol (even the day or night before, i.e. a hangover). The fact is no one knows the precise moment sleep may overcome the body, and while falling asleep behind the wheel is clearly dangerous, simply being tired also affects one’s ability to drive safely, even if the driver doesn’t fall asleep. For example, studies have shown drowsiness causes the following:
- When tired, drivers have less ability to pay attention to the road.
- Tired drivers have slowed reaction time when required to brake or make evasive maneuvers.
- Tiredness affects a driver’s ability to make smart decisions.
- Tired drivers frequently drift in and out of lanes of traffic.
Despite findings like these, the frequency of drowsy driving is unlikely to diminish, as people are encouraged to go-go-go both day and night, and “I’m too tired” is rarely considered a reasonable excuse for not getting the job done. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 72,000 car crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in previous years, and those numbers have subsequently increased.
Contact Payer & Associates for Help after a Drowsy Driving Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowsy driving car accident, please contact Payer & Associates to speak with an experienced Miami personal injury lawyer. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our roads safe, and getting behind the wheel when sleepy or fatigued shirks that responsibility. You should not have to bear the cost of another driver’s bad decision. Our attorneys can help you get the compensation you need and deserve to recover at absolutely no risk to you. There’s no fee for our services unless we win, and we’re available to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
