Irving Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer

Have you been in an accident caused by a fatigued driver? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. In Irving, TX, fatigued drivers are known to cause a wide variety of accidents.

Anyone can be the victim of a fatigued driver. Studies show that a fatigued driver is just as likely to cause an accident as a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Often, these accidents are very dangerous.

In addition to damaging your vehicle, fatigued driver accidents result in injuries and fatalities. It may take years to recover from an accident caused by a fatigued driver.

But help is available. Our Irving lawyers have experience with all types of car accidents, including accidents caused by fatigued drivers. If you or someone you love has been in a fatigued driver accident, call us at (469) 998-4069. Legal consultations are 100% free.

Fatigued Driver Accident Statistics

Sleep deprivation is a serious problem for many drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep at night — this means almost a third of all Americans are fatigued drivers.

If you don’t think drowsy driving is dangerous, think again. Fatigue impairs coordination, slows your reaction time, and negatively affects judgment. With extreme exhaustion, a driver’s vision also becomes impaired. They may see double or experience blurred vision.

In the worst cases, fatigued drivers literally fall asleep at the wheel. Even if they only drift off for a moment, that’s still enough time to cause a severe accident.

The statistics about drowsy driving accidents are alarming:

Fatigued drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident.
It’s estimated that fatigued drivers cause 328,000 accidents per year.
Fatigued driver crashes are responsible for over 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities each year.
The more tired the driver, the worse the crash.
Staying up for more than 20 hours and driving is the equivalent of driving with a 0.08% blood-alcohol level (the legal limit for drunk driving).
About 21% of adult drivers report falling asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime.

Many fatigued drivers also experience a dangerous phenomenon called “micro-sleep.” Micro-sleep happens when a fatigued driver experiences a brief, involuntary lapse of attention. In other words, they suddenly “zone out” without realizing it.

Micro-sleep typically lasts for four or five seconds. Although that might not sound too serious, it’s more than enough time to cause a severe accident. In four or five seconds, an average car moving at highway speed will travel 100 yards — the length of a football field.

In other words, fatigued driving is a serious problem.

Who’s at Risk for Fatigued Driver Accidents?

Fatigued driver accidents are more likely to occur late at night or very early in the morning. These accidents often occur on highways. They also happen on dark streets. Bright lights help keep drivers awake, so darker streets are more conducive to an accident.

In a fatigued driver accident, anyone can be a victim. However, certain drivers are more likely to become perpetrators. You are more likely to become a fatigued driver under the following circumstances:

You Experience a Sleep Disorder

Although many adults are short on sleep due to stress or poor lifestyle habits, others suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders include sleep apnea, clinical insomnia, narcolepsy, and other neurological issues that impair sleep.

Some sleep disorders prevent you from feeling rested, even if you’ve had a full night’s sleep. Other sleep disorders like narcolepsy may cause you to become fatigued in the middle of the day. If you’re suffering from an untreated sleep disorder, you may be more likely to cause a car accident.

You’re Trying a New Medication

Many prescription medications cause drowsiness. If you’ve started a new medication, don’t drive until you know how it affects you. Even if the drug doesn’t list fatigue as a side effect, you may still be at risk.

Talk to your doctor if your medication makes you feel tired. You may be able to eliminate drowsiness by changing your dosage. Your doctor may also change your prescription to a similar non-drowsy medication.

You’re a Professional Truck Driver or Delivery Driver

Professional truck drivers are at greater risk of fatigued driving due to their job. Often, truckers must drive very long distances in a short amount of time. They may be pressured to skip breaks and drive all night to meet their deadlines.

Accidents caused by fatigued truck drivers can be very dangerous. When a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, their vehicle creates a severe hazard for other motorists. A large, heavy truck will cause significant damage when it’s out of control.

Delivery drivers are also prone to fatigue. Many delivery drivers work long hours, often waking up very early in the morning. Some may also be pressured to work double shifts to meet their delivery quotas. As a result, some delivery drivers push themselves past the point of exhaustion, which causes accidents.

Proving Liability in a Fatigued Driver Accident

How do you prove that someone caused an accident due to fatigue? When an accident occurs, it may be difficult to prove that a driver was fatigued. However, your accident lawyer can determine liability based on other factors.

Typically, the fatigued driver who causes an accident will break other laws. The impact angle and other aspects of the collision will make it clear who is at fault. As with any accident, be sure to collect photos and videos of the scene.

To ensure that you receive compensation in the aftermath of a fatigued driver accident, contact our Irving law offices today. We’ll review your case for free, with no obligation. If we don’t help you win, you won’t pay for our services.

Compensation for a fatigued driver accident can help repair or replace your damaged vehicle, pay medical expenses, and cover lost wages. Don’t wait — contact our Irving accident attorneys today and fight for your rights. Book your complimentary consultation online or by calling us at (469) 998-4069.