Drowsy driving accidents can cause serious injuries, as they often involve unalert drivers who may be traveling at high speeds and have delayed reactions. This often equates to collisions involving higher speeds and greater impact, leading to fatalities and catastrophic injuries. At Miller & Steele Law Firm, we believe that injured victims deserve compensation through a Carlsbad accident claim.
If you were injured in an accident involving a tired driver, a Carlsbad drowsy driving accident attorney from The Miller & Steele Law Firm can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Call us today to learn more.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
At least 100,000 car accidents occur every year due to drowsy driving, which cause about 1,500 fatalities and 40,000 injuries. However, experts estimate that these numbers are likely underreported as drivers may blame the accident on other causes. In one survey, 55% of individuals polled reported they had driven while drowsy in the past year.
Drivers who experience sleep deprivation or have not slept in 18 hours have effects similar to those with a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, the threshold for being legally impaired. Tired drivers may have deficits that make avoiding accidents more difficult, such as:
- Delayed reactions
- Inhibited judgment
- Trouble maintaining the same lane
- Frequent starts and stops
- Blurred vision
Risk Factors for Drowsy Driving
While anyone can potentially drive tired, some factors that make a person more likely to be involved in a drowsy driving crash include:
- Under 25: More than 50% of fatigued driving crashes are caused by men under 25 years old.
- Night shift work: Night shift workers are up to six times more likely to drive while fatigued, especially those who work more than 60 hours per week.
- Business traveler: Those driving long hours for work are also more likely to cause drowsy driving accidents. This includes people who have traveled across time zones and have jet lag.
- Commercial truck driving: Truck drivers often work long hours and at night, a combination that significantly increases the likelihood of crashes.
- Regular lack of sleep: Some individuals may not get enough sleep on a regular basis, such as new parents, those who are on call for work, or those who are light sleepers. Their sleep deprivation can build to dangerous levels over time.
- Alcohol intake: Alcohol naturally makes people sleepy and slows reaction times.
- Untreated sleep disorders: People may have untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy, that can make them more likely to fall asleep at unexpected times.
- Certain medications: People may take medications that cause drowsiness, such as painkillers, tranquilizers, cold medicine, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or sleeping pills.
Liability for Drowsy Driving Accidents
California is an at-fault state for car accidents. Driving while drowsy can subject other motorists to unnecessary risks. When they cause an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting damages. In some cases, their employers may share responsibility. An experienced personal injury attorney in Carlsbad can gather evidence to help prove that drowsy driving caused the accident, such as accident reports, videos, witness statements, and medical records.
Contact The Miller & Steele Law Firm for Legal Advice
If someone else made the dangerous choice to drive while drowsy and you were injured as a result, The Miller & Steele Law Firm will work diligently to hold them responsible. Call us at (760) 439-2210 for a free consultation.