Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyers

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Drowsy Driving Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a vehicle accident caused by a drowsy driver, our drowsy driving accident lawyer is ready to help. You may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's essential to have a top personal injury law firm to help you with your claim. For more than 60 years, the lawyers at Munley Law have been assisting clients with their claims. We can provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation on your case, and we will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

How Dangerous is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving occurs frequently because sleep deprivation has become an increasingly common problem. People often begin their morning work commute after a poor night's sleep – and those driving long distances usually push themselves to go greater distances without breaks. Drivers don't realize how much fatigue impacts their driving reactions and ability to focus on the road.
Each year, 1 in 5 automobile accidents are a direct result of one of the individuals driving while sleep-deprived. The chances of encountering a drowsy driver are dangerously high – and if you or a loved one gets into an auto accident with a drowsy driver, you will need representation from a firm familiar with all types of automobile accidents.

The Effect Drowsiness Has on a Driver

Studies have shown that drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There is no denying that exhausted drivers who choose to get behind the wheel are risking their own lives as well as the lives of fellow drivers. According to the American Association of Automobiles Traffic Safety Foundation, 95% of drivers reported that they believe drowsy driving is very dangerous. Yet, of that 95%, 18% admit to driving drowsy within the past 30 days. The effects of sleep deprivation on driving technique can be dramatic, leading to various issues, including:

• Impaired judgment.
• Reduced reaction time.
• Increased aggression.
• Difficulties with short-term memory.
• Loss of vigilance.
• Falling asleep at the wheel.

Who is Affected the Most by Drowsy Driving?

Any driver can potentially fall asleep behind the wheel, but certain groups are at higher risk for drowsy driving because they tend to drive later at night, and they include the following:

• Shift workers.
• Business travelers.
• Commercial drivers, including truckers.
• Young drivers.
• Airline workers.

Fatigue often affects driving before the driver is even aware of the problem. Drivers may not notice when they begin to weave between lanes or daydream, but there are some early warning signs of drowsy driving. Drivers can prevent dangerous fatigue and avoid becoming involved in an accident by practicing the following:

• Avoid alcohol or medication that can cause drowsiness.
• Get enough sleep before going on a long drive.
• Stop for a rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 100 miles of travel.
• Always wear your seat belt.

Unfortunately, not all drivers follow these tips. Drivers who get behind the wheel while sleepy quickly lose control of their vehicles, crashing into other cars, highway signs, and other heavy objects. The injuries typically associated with drowsy driving accidents can be severe, such as head or spinal trauma, disfigurement, or even death. Severe injuries are expensive to treat, and victims and their families often struggle to pay for vital medical treatment and long-term therapy.

Why You Need a Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Drowsy Driver Accident Lawyer

Victims who file and win personal injury claims against a drowsy driver are eligible to receive compensation for their injuries, such as payment for medical bills or loss of wages. However, to win an injury claim, victims and their families need representation from attorneys who know how to prepare effective claims thoroughly. The drowsy driver accident lawyers at Munley Law have years of experience dealing with accident claims, especially those accidents caused by sleepy and drowsy drivers. We know how to clearly present the facts of your case and prepare a case strategy designed to protect your interests – not those of the insurance company or other parties.

Suppose a drowsy driver has seriously injured you or a loved one. In that case, you deserve experienced legal representation from a firm that understands the challenges you face because of your injuries – a firm that is committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve. When drivers engage in behavior that puts others at risk, they must be held accountable – and you shouldn't have to pay the ultimate price for their negligent and reckless refusal to drive safely.

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we aim to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for protecting individual rights through teamwork and using our considerable resources and experience. Contact the attorneys at Munley Law today. To schedule a free consultation, contact us by calling 570-338-4494 or fill out our online form. We do not recover a fee unless we win your case for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Drowsy Driving Auto Accidents

Can I Sue If I Was Hit by a Drowsy Driver?

Yes, you likely can sue if you were hit by a drowsy driver who caused your accident. When someone drives while they're exhausted, it's considered negligent behavior. If this behavior results in a crash, the driver can be held responsible for the damages caused. 

You'll need to prove the driver's negligence to win a lawsuit. This typically involves showing four elements:

• Duty: The other driver had a responsibility to drive safely.
• Breach: The other driver didn't drive safely because they were too tired.
• Causation: The driver's exhaustion caused the accident.
• Damages: You suffered injuries or other losses because of the accident, like medical bills or lost wages.

If you can prove all of these things, you may have a case against the driver and be able to recover compensation for your losses.​​

What Are Common Signs That a Driver Was Drowsy When an Accident Happened? ​​​​

It's important to know that drowsy driving is a serious issue that can lead to accidents. You can look out for some signs that might suggest a driver was drowsy at the time of an accident:

• missing traffic signals or exits
• not reacting to sudden changes in traffic flow
• difficulty maintaining a consistent speed
• drifting in and out of lanes
• hitting rumble strips

Physical signs to look out for are frequent yawning or blinking and difficulty keeping their head up. If you notice several of these signs after an accident, it's a good idea to report them to the police so they can investigate further. However, it's important to remember that accidents can have other causes, too.

How Can a Lawyer Prove the Other Driver Was Drowsy Driving in a Car Accident Lawsuit?​​

It can be difficult to prove drowsy driving caused an accident because there is no specific test for it, unlike drunk driving. However, lawyers can gather evidence from various sources to build a case against the drowsy driver. They may look at the police report for signs of delayed braking, drifting, or the time of day. Witness accounts of the driver's behavior before the accident are also important.
Experts can analyze the crash scene and damage patterns to see if they support a theory of impaired driving due to fatigue. The driver's work schedule or medical history, like a history of sleep disorders, could also be relevant.
Lawyers will argue that the other driver was negligent by driving while drowsy, which caused the accident and resulted in injuries. While there is no definitive test for drowsy driving, lawyers can use circumstantial evidence to establish it.
However, proving drowsiness as the only cause of an accident can be challenging. Especially if other factors like speeding or distractions are involved. An experienced driver fatigue lawyer will gather the necessary evidence to craft a strong case by clearly outlining the proof.

How Much Will a Tired Driver Accident Lawyer Cost Near Me?

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that we don't charge clients an hourly rate for legal services. Instead, we receive a percentage of our client's settlement or verdict if the case is successful. This fee arrangement is beneficial for clients who may not have the financial resources to pay for a lawyer upfront. By working on a contingency fee basis, we can provide legal representation without you having to worry about upfront costs.
When we take on a case, we invest our time, resources, and expertise into making sure we get the best possible outcome. If we are successful in getting a settlement or verdict in your favor, we will receive a percentage of that amount as our fee. This means we are committed to working hard and ensuring you get the best outcome.

How Much is My Case Worth If I suffered Injuries in a Drowsy Driving Crash?

To provide you with an accurate estimate of the worth of your case, we first will need to review all of the facts during an initial consultation. Several factors go into determining the value of your case. We look at how badly you were hurt, how much work you missed, and how much pain and suffering you went through. We will look into the following:

• The severity of your injuries: More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care lead to higher settlements. We will consider the medical reports, bills, and other medical evidence to evaluate the extent of your injuries.
• Lost wages: You can claim the income lost due to missed work as part of compensable damages. We will review your employment records and pay stubs to calculate the lost wages accurately.
• Pain and suffering: This includes physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the long-term limitations caused by the injuries. We will consider the nature of your injuries, the impact they had on your daily life, and how long they lasted.
• Fault: If you're found partially responsible for the accident, it can reduce your settlement amount. We will assess the evidence to determine if you share any fault in the accident and how much blame should be assigned to each party.