Longer Nights can Cause More Collisions
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the number of night time accidents increased1 by 7% between the years of 2014-2015. In addition, the NHSTA estimates that 100,000 fatigue-related accidents happen on a yearly basis, with driver negligence being one of the leading causes for accidents in the U.S. In addition, approximately 71,000 of these accidents result in injuries. These numbers are likely to increase as the population continues to grow and more drivers get on the road.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue can occur for a number of reasons. People may work long hours that force them to travel home at odd hours in the early morning. Truck drivers who stay active and alert during the day may force themselves to stay awake and fall asleep at the wheel. Socialites who attend late night parties may try to drive home while intoxicated and lose control of the wheel. The list goes on and on.
Fatigued drivers do not have the same sense of alertness as normal drivers on the road. Their response time is delayed. Their eyes are droopy. Their bodies are spending too much energy trying to stay awake and forgetting about what is on the road in front of them. Their vehicles essentially become large metal death machines that can cause injury at any moment.
Types of Accidents Resulting from Driver Fatigue
Not surprisingly, many accidents relating to driver fatigue involve a single car. This is because fatigued-drivers tend to fall asleep or fail to notice something on the road such as a guardrail or obstruction. As a result, many drivers may run their own cars off the road or collide with other objects that are not cars.
However, driving while fatigued or drowsy can lead to serious multi-car pileups too. A driver may fail to stop in traffic or drive right through an intersection without even noticing a red light or stop sign. Poor weather can play a significant role as well. A driver who is drowsy may suddenly swerve to avoid a car or other obstruction and subsequently slip on an icy or slippery road.
People Injured by Fatigued Drivers Can Often Recover for Their Losses
Fortunately for people who are injured by drowsy drivers, Florida law2 generally entitles victims of these kinds of accidents to compensation for their losses. In a Florida personal injury claim, victims can recover for both economic and non-economic losses, including the following:
Medical bills
Lost income
Property damage
Loss of quality of life
Physical and emotional pain and suffering
The exact amount of money you recover will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of their injuries, the amount of property damage, whether they were partially at fault, and their income. When you meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, he or she will be able to give you an idea of how much you will be able to recover.
Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help the Victims of Fatigued Drivers
If you have been involved in an auto accident, whether you believe caused the accident or not, you should consult with an attorney. An experienced accident attorney is equipped to investigate and evaluate all circumstances surrounding the incident. Most importantly, a seasoned auto accident lawyer will be able to assess fault and determine what methods of relief may be available for injured victims.
Contact a Clearwater Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Dolman Law Group, our Florida attorneys have handled a number of auto accident cases and know how to deal with insurance companies and adjusters. Give us a call today at 727-451-6900 to discuss your claim today. We represent clients all throughout Florida and have offices in New Port Richey, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.
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