Driving “tired” may not seem like a big deal to many, but getting behind the wheel while overly fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Car accidents caused by a fatigued driver can lead to significant injuries to other motorists as well as passengers and pedestrians. Although showing that a driver’s tiredness was a contributing factor in causing a collision may be difficult, it is not impossible, and those responsible for another’s harm should be held accountable to those they hurt. Miami car accident lawyer Robert Dixon and his staff at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure unsafe and negligent motorists bear the financial and legal burden of a victim’s injuries. Making the decision to drive, or keep driving, when you are too tired is not just irresponsible, it is unsafe. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a driver fatigue car accident, the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you explore your legal options. We represent clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as throughout South Florida. Please contact our office today to set up a free consultation to discuss your possible claims.
How Fatigue Affects DrivingLike alcohol, being overly fatigued can impact a driver’s abilities behind the wheel. Tired drivers have slower reaction times as well as reduced attentiveness, and problems associated with processing information – all vital components of driving practices and dealing with issues that arise on the road. Drivers who have been driving for long distances or get bored have a higher chance of falling asleep or dozing off when driving, which can lead to a serious, sometimes deadly, collision. Aside from spending too many hours on the road, other causes of driver fatigue and driver fatigue car accidents may be sleep restrictions due to a job, such as for those who work nightshifts, or personal and lifestyle choices. It is recommended that a person gets seven to nine hours of sleep each night, and those who only sleep four or less hours are shown to have impaired attentiveness.
Unlike a driver who can be tested for alcohol impairment, there is no actual method for testing whether an accident was caused by fatigue. However, there are characteristics and evidence that can be collected to determine if tiredness was a factor in causing a collision, such as whether the accident occurred late at night or early in the morning; if it was a single vehicle that veered off the road; or if here is no indication a driver tried to avoid a collision by braking or making another maneuver. Some individuals have a higher incidence of being involved in these types of collisions, including those between the ages of 16 and 29, workers with long or irregular hours, as well as individuals with untreated sleep disorders or who use certain sedative medications.
Liability for Car Accidents Caused by FatigueThose who cause another’s injury due to tiredness while driving should be held accountable. Victims injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver can file a personal injury claim based on negligence. Negligence exists when a driver breaches a duty of reasonable car owed to another, causing injury, and resulting in damages. Spending long hours on the road, or getting behind the wheel on little to no sleep, can be shown as an unreasonable action giving rise to liability. Once negligence is established, victims may recover damages such as past and future medical expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering in some cases. It is wise to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible following a serious accident, so that they can start to gather evidence and help determine what circumstances led to your injuries.
Car Accident Lawyers for Injured Victims in MiamiDriver fatigue car accidents can leave victims with permanent, life-altering injuries, such as brain or head trauma and paralysis. These types of injuries can require long-term medical care, many times with costs exceeding those of an insurance policy limits. As such, legal action may be necessary so that victims can receive the best possible quality of life following an accident. Injury attorney Robert Dixon helps clients pursue the compensation they are entitled to, and need, to cope with the scope of their injuries. If you have questions about your legal options in the aftermath of a car accident, please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no obligation consultation and speak with an attorney today. We serve clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.