According to the CDC and several other leading health organizations, drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, and results in approximately 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths a year. Unfortunately, there is minimal awareness of the dangers of drowsy driving, and individuals continue to drive tired and cause accidents. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Allentown fatigued driver accident attorneys fight on behalf of countless individuals whose lives have been devastated by drowsy drivers. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a tired driver, reach out to our Allentown law firm today to see how we hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
The Legal Conundrum of Drowsy Driving
Unlike drunk driving or reckless driving, there are no laws against drowsy driving. A police officer may pull a tired driver over for swerving a little too far across the line, but if that officer performs the routine tests and discovers that the driver is in fact sober, he or she is forced to let that person go. Unfortunately, letting that person go could be the biggest mistake that officer makes that night.
Depending on how little sleep a person is running off of, a drowsy driver’s motor skills may be comparable to that of someone with a BAC of .10. Many of the effects of fatigue are more or less the same as being intoxicated, and may include:
- Decreased reaction time;
- Impaired vision;
- Inability to focus;
- Impaired judgement; and
- Inability to stay awake.
Because the effects of drowsy driving are similar to that of drunk driving, fatigued drivers who cause accidents are still considered negligent—even if they are not considered criminals. Negligent drivers can be sued for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Though proving fault in these types of cases may be difficult, an Allentown fatigued driver accident attorney can help uncover evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault and fight on your behalf to ensure that you walk away with the maximum amount of compensation such a case as yours warrants.
Evidence in drowsy driving accidents may include but is not limited to the following:
- The time of day the accident occurred;
- Witness testimony and/or video evidence;
- Evidence supporting that the defendant had been awake for an abnormal amount of time (work records, accounts from friends, etc.);
- The driver’s disposition after the accident; and
- Testimony from other drivers.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Allentown Fatigued Driver Accident Attorney
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Allentown car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of negligence pursue compensation for their injuries and damages by relentlessly investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and reviewing the law. Our methods have led to more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients and hundreds of happy clients. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, know that you do have legal rights. Call us at (215) 486-0123 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your legal options.
Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our office is located in downtown Philadelphia, close to City Hall, and easily accessible via public transportation.
