Driver fatigue accidents happen far more often than people may realize. In fact, driver fatigue is a big part of why car accidents are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Also known as drowsy driving, driver fatigue accounts for many drivers who become inattentive, and cause serious collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, upwards of 72,000 crashes annually are caused by drowsy drivers. From that same study, there were 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities as a result of driver fatigue. These incidents occur frequently and are easily preventable. However, for those drivers that take the road with not enough sleep, there can be grave consequences. They put the life and well-being of themselves and others at risk.
What is driver fatigue?
What exactly is driver fatigue anyways. Although there is often a lot of confusion when it comes to figuring out what it means, the phrase itself is pretty self-explanatory. Driver fatigue, or drowsy driving, is typically when drivers get behind the wheel with not enough sleep or under the influence of a legal medicine that causes them to be drowsy. This drowsiness or fatigue is an impediment to their driving, and thus they often can cause accidents. In fact, recent studies show that drivers who drive on less than 6 hours of sleep are far more likely to cause a collision on the roads than drivers who got more hours of sleep.
What sort of injuries can I get from a driver fatigue accident?
Driver fatigue accidents, like any other car accident, can cause a great deal of injuries depending on the type of collision of how much impact there is on an individual. Every single case is unique. However, there are various commonalities among these accidents in regards to injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries that result from driver fatigue accidents include (but are not limited to):
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Internal bleeding
Why should I get a lawyer?
It is almost a universal fact that injuries are costly. They take time to care for and the medical expenses to treat them are extremely high. It should come as no surprise that medical expenses in the United States are expensive. In addition to the emotional stress that an injury can cause, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for your injury to heal. If a driver who was drowsy caused you to receive an injury, whether you were a pedestrian or in another vehicle, it is their responsibility to cover the cost of the damages.
If you or someone you know believes you may be a victim of a driver fatigue accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen, P.C., an experienced law firm serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and the surrounding areas, which specializes in driver fatigue accidents like yours. Cohen & Cohen, P.C. can be the professional counsel you need to help you win your fair compensation in court.