If you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving accident, contact one of the Boston car accident attorneys at Michael Kelly today.
Drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of auto accidents in the United States. The NHTSA estimates that it could be responsible for as much as 10 percent of fatal accidents. According to the CDC, 4% of drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel at least once in 30 days. That’s a worrying statistic, considering that fatigue alone:
- Makes drivers unable to pay attention to the road
- Affects the ability of drivers to make decisions
- Slows down their reaction time
Drivers who fall asleep lose control of their vehicle and hit any obstacles or vehicles in their path. The victims usually end up seeking the assistance of an auto accident attorney. The law allows accident victims to recover their losses. Unfortunately, it is usually a long and challenging process. This is particularly true for drowsy driving accidents because it is never easy to prove fault in these cases.
That’s why an experienced auto accident lawyer will usually undertake complex investigations. They will look for diagnoses or symptoms of sleep disorders along with traces of alcohol or drugs in the driver’s blood. They will also check the driver’s home and work schedule to show that the driver either didn’t sleep at all or slept very little.
Consequences of Drowsy Driving and Why You Should Work With a Lawyer
Accidents that involve drivers who give in to fatigue or fall asleep at the wheel tend to be devastating. Even if they don’t result in death, they almost always result in very serious injuries. Recovery from such injuries requires money, effort, and time.
Car accident lawyers are responsible for helping their clients obtain compensation. They help their clients save time and effort by taking over the formalities. They also get them money by negotiating fast settlements and expediting procedures.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the compensation a victim may recover includes the following:
- Emotional and physical pain
- Lost earnings
- Treatment costs
- Car replacement or repair
- Emotional losses (loss of consortium, loss of the ability to enjoy life)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Disability adjustments
This goes to show how devastating drowsy driving can be in case of an accident. It can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damages. It may cause serious injuries and disability and can even cause death. It can also irredeemably affect the lives of all parties involved. However, hiring an auto accident lawyer can help reduce the financial burden after an accident.
For those who are injured, spending weeks or even months in the hospital or in recovery is far from easy. It involves financial losses, frustration, pain, and lots of stress. Accident victims often report that the event literally altered their lives forever. Some complain about having nightmares, while others develop a fear of driving.
For the driver responsible, the few hours of sleep they skipped could end up costing them everything. They might lose their driver’s license and may even lose their job depending on their occupation or the need to commute. They might even face criminal charges and risk going to prison. And unfortunately, families can fall apart if one member goes to jail. Furthermore, accident liability has the potential to affect a driver’s life.
Even if the driver at fault manages to get away, living with the thought that they injured a person or took a life is hard. If they are not insured or their insurance company refuses to pay, they might face a civil lawsuit. The court may rule that the driver has to pay the compensation themselves, which only adds to their losses.
A Car Accident Attorney Will Be by Your Side
An auto accident attorney might not manage to make all of these go away, but they can help their clients save money, time, and effort. They can take over most worries and provide them with answers as well as assistance. They help them recover their losses and move on with their lives. You should get in touch with a lawyer if you were involved in a car accident where drowsy driving is to blame.
Schedule a Free Consultation With One of Our Boston Car Accident Attorneys
It is always advisable to hire lawyers who have represented numerous other drowsy driving victims since they will know how best to prove liability and obtain fair compensation. To benefit from their knowledge and find out what they can do for you, schedule your free case review with our experienced Boston car accident attorneys at Michael Kelly today.
