Drowsy Driving
Safely operating a motor vehicle takes vigilance. A driver must be in control of all of his or her facilities at all times. This includes a responsibility not to drive while drowsy, tired, or feeling fatigued. Drowsy driving dramatically increases the risk of car accidents. If you get into a crash and suspect that the other driver was drowsy, contact a car accident lawyer in Chicago for a free review of your case and your right to recover financial compensation.
What Is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving refers to operating a motor vehicle while tired, sleep deprived or dozing off. Drowsy driving can occur if a driver does not get enough sleep before driving, especially during a long drive or while driving overnight. Fatigue is also an occupational hazard in driving professions, such as big rig trucking. If truck drivers violate their hours-of-service regulations, they may become dangerously drowsy on the job.
What Are the Risks of Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving has been compared to drunk driving in terms of how much it affects a driver’s ability to safely and properly operate a motor vehicle. Drowsiness impairs the senses in much the same way as alcohol or drugs.
Examples include:
- Slower reflexes
- Poor muscle control and coordination
- Reduced reaction times
- Loss of concentration
- Poor decision-making
- Blurred vision
Drowsy drivers are more likely to miss traffic signs, break roadway rules and make unsafe decisions behind the wheel. Signs of a drowsy driver include erratic driving, drifting in and out of multiple lanes, abrupt braking or accelerating, and tailgating.
Injuries From Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy drivers in Chicago can cause many serious types of car accidents, including rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions and chain reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles.
The injuries that can arise from these crashes include:
- Bone fractures
- Whiplash
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Internal injuries
If a drowsy driver falls asleep, he or she may not hit the brakes at all prior to the time of impact. This can lead to high-speed collisions that cause catastrophic injuries and permanent disability.
Your Rights After a Drowsy Driving Accident in Chicago
Since Illinois abides by a fault-based car insurance rule, you have the right to hold a drowsy driver accountable for causing your car accident. You can file a claim with the drowsy driver’s car insurance company to pursue compensation for your medical bills and property repairs.
However, you may need to prove your case using evidence, such as witness statements and a police report. In the case of someone who was driving for work, you may also be able to use driver logs and work schedules as evidence.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident case involving a drowsy driver can be difficult to navigate, especially if an insurance company denies your claim or does not offer a fair payout. The best way to protect your rights is by hiring an attorney to represent you during insurance settlement negotiations. A lawyer can help you prove your case and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and losses while you focus on healing.
For a detailed review of your case with a drowsy driving accident attorney in Chicago, contact Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC to schedule a free consultation.