Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy driving is more than just totally falling asleep at the wheel. Accidents involving fatigued drivers typically happen because their fatigue slows reaction times just like impaired driving. Drowsy driving is negligent, but proving a driver was fatigued is tough. If you’ve been injured in a crash and you suspect the other driver’s fatigue played a role, please reach out to a Nashville semi-truck accident attorney for help as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Drowsy Driving Accidents
There are various reasons why drivers become fatigued and operate their vehicles in a dangerous state.
1. Lack of sleep
The most common cause of fatigued driving on Tennessee roadways is simply not getting enough sleep. According to the CDC, adults should try to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, many people regularly get less than that, and sleep deprivation severely impacts cognitive functions such as reaction time, attention, and decision-making. This increases the likelihood of a crash.
2. Shift work
Drivers who work irregular or long shifts, such as healthcare workers, factory employees, or truck drivers, are particularly vulnerable to drowsy driving. Long hours, overnight shifts, and rotating schedules can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leaving drivers fatigued even if they try to rest during the day.
3. Driving long distances
Long road trips or driving for extended periods without breaks can lead to driver fatigue. The monotony of the road, combined with physical and mental exhaustion, can make it difficult for drivers to stay alert. Commercial truck drivers and delivery drivers who spend many hours on the road are especially prone to drowsy driving.
4. Medications
Certain medications can cause drowsiness, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle. This includes over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, as well as prescription drugs that may list drowsiness as a side effect. Drivers who take these medications may not realize how impaired their ability to drive safely has become until it is too late.
5. Sleep disorders
Drivers with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders are at a higher risk of dosing off while operating a vehicle. Sleep apnea or narcolepsy are a few of the more common sleep disorders, but there are others. Sleep disorders can cause significant disruptions in rest, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and dangerous driving conditions.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?
If you have been involved in a collision caused by a fatigued driver, you may be considering speaking with an attorney about your situation. A car accident lawyer with experience handling complex Tennessee injury claims can play a crucial role in helping you by:
1. Investigating the accident
Proving that a driver was fatigued at the time of an accident can be challenging, but a skilled attorney will gather evidence by completing a full investigation. This may include reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. Your lawyer may also work with crash reconstruction experts (not always required) to determine how the crash occurred and whether fatigue played a role.
2. Identifying signs of fatigue
In drowsy driving cases, there may be specific signs that indicate the driver was fatigued. This could include erratic driving behavior, such as drifting out of lanes, inconsistent speed, or failure to brake before a collision. Your attorney will look for these indicators and use them to build your case.
3. Dealing with insurance companies
Insurance claims adjusters aren’t quick to settle. In fact, claims adjusters may delay the process quite a bit. Your motor vehicle accident lawyer in Nashville will handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
4. Pursuing compensation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. They will represent you in court and work to hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions. Compensation in drowsy driving cases may cover a variety of damages, including coverage of medical bills, property damage losses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Tennessee Laws and Drowsy Driving
While there are no specific Tennessee laws that address drowsy driving, it is still considered a form of negligence. Under Tennessee law, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Driving while fatigued impairs a person’s ability to react and make decisions, making it a dangerous and reckless behavior.
If you are injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. In Tennessee, victims of car accidents have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, and failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering compensation.
Steps to Take After a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you have been involved in a drowsy driving accident, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights and build a strong case. Here are the key actions you should take:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to see a doctor right away. Some injuries, such as internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
- Contact law enforcement. Call the police to report the accident and have them create an official report. The police report will be an essential piece of evidence in your claim, and officers may be able to assess whether fatigue played a role in the crash.
- Document the scene. If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Also, gather contact information from witnesses who can provide statements about what they saw.
Speak to an attorney. Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process and help ensure you receive fair compensation.