According to car crash statistics, driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents. Driver fatigue is most common in truck accidents. Commercial truck drivers are often under pressure to meet delivery deadlines and neglect to get enough rest, leading to truck driver fatigue. However, other types of accidents, such as car or motorcycle accidents could also be a result of fatigue. The signs of fatigue are often ignored by drivers, and this mistake can lead to drowsy driving accidents.
If you are a victim of an accident due to driver fatigue, please contact our accident victim lawyers today. Our fatigued driving injury lawyer in Brentwood can assess your case to guide you on steps to take to protect your rights and get full and fair compensation for your damages.
How Does Fatigue Impact Driving?
Driver fatigue is when a driver continues to drive while feeling tired or drowsy. The consequences of driver fatigue or drowsy driving can be deadly because it affects the body and the mind. The driver may experience slowed reaction times, decreased awareness of their surroundings, and impaired decision-making. As a result of driver fatigue, the driver may miss traffic signs and not be able to react to emergencies on the road.
The likelihood of driver fatigue is highest on long drives on the highway but if a driver is extremely fatigued, it can impact them anywhere. Extreme fatigue can even lead to a driver falling asleep while driving. What makes driver fatigue so dangerous is that the driver might not be fully aware that they are fatigued and if they continue to drive, they risk a serious accident.
Common Causes of Driver Fatigue
The top cause of driver fatigue is a lack of adequate sleep. When a driver is behind the wheel without proper rest, they are far more likely to drive impaired. Another common cause of driver fatigue is long hours of driving, which is the leading cause of fatigue for a truck driver.
Not taking breaks or traveling on monotonous roads can lead to feelings of drowsiness. In some cases, stress can also lead to fatigue as the mind is preoccupied with concerns that are not related to driving. Driving during early morning or late night hours can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle of the body, resulting in drowsiness.
Legal Process for Fatigued Driving Accident Cases in Brentwood, TN
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure they are alert behind the wheel and they operate their vehicle safely and attentively. If you suffered an accident where the other driver was fatigued, you can pursue compensation for your damages.
The first step after any accident is to ensure your safety. Check for injuries and if needed, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You can get in touch with an attorney to discuss the details of your case. The attorney can guide you on whether you have the legal grounds to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
To support your claim, you will need to gather evidence, and your attorney can help you in this process. Evidence such as eyewitness statements, police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records can help strengthen your case.
Personal injury claims are usually filed with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. Your attorney can engage in negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. If you can obtain a fair settlement for your losses, then you won’t need to take the case to court. However, don’t hesitate to file a lawsuit if you believe you are not getting the settlement you deserve. At Meyers Injury Law, our car accident lawyer can guide you on your best legal options.
Tips For Preventing Fatigued Driving And Staying Safe On The Road
One of the best ways to prevent driver fatigue is to take regular breaks. If possible, share driving duties with another driver. Getting enough sleep, at least 7 to 9 hours, can also help minimize the risk of drowsiness or tiredness behind the wheel. Drivers should be aware of the common signs of fatigue so they can recognize warning signs and take action to ensure their fatigue doesn’t result in an accident.
Schedule a Consultation With An Experienced Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer
With years of experience handling fatigued driving accident cases, Meyers Injury Law has built a strong reputation for success. We have a deep legal understanding of fatigued driving accidents and can use our experience and skills to fight for your rights. If you suffered damages in a car or truck accident with a drowsy driver, allow us to help you get maximum compensation. We can help you with distracted driving accidents, and other types of cases. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our fatigued driving accident attorney Brentwood.
To discover more about the various practice areas covered by Meyers Injury Law, including personal injury cases, or to arrange a free consultation, we encourage you to contact our team. Explore our personal injury attorneys, Brentwood page for further details on how we can support you taking the next step.
