Whether you’re driving home after a late night in the office or traveling on a road trip, feeling tired is common. However, when you notice you’re becoming too drowsy to safely operate your vehicle, you may take the necessary steps to prevent falling asleep at the wheel by pulling over or allowing someone else to drive. Unfortunately, other drivers may not take the same precautions, and you can suffer devastating injuries as a result. If you have reason to believe the driver responsible for your collision was asleep at the time, of impact, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores the dangers of drowsy driving and why working with an Orlando auto accident lawyer is in your best interest during these complicated matters.
Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
Unfortunately, many people do not realize how dangerous it is to drive while exhausted, meaning many will partake in this behavior. Studies show that drivers who have not slept in 20 or more hours are equivalent to those who drive at the legal limit. As such, driving while exhausted is just as dangerous as driving while legally intoxicated.
Those who get behind the wheel while drowsy can experience high levels of impairment that inhibit their ability to safely operate a vehicle. Common issues include:
- Slowed movements
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty focusing
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
These factors increase the likelihood of an accident, as drivers may have difficulty remaining in their lane, stopping for pedestrians, avoiding hazards, or adhering to traffic signs.
It’s also important to understand that drivers who drive while exhausted are likely to experience microsleeps. These are two to five-second intervals in which a driver falls asleep before jolting awake. In many instances, drivers may have no idea they are losing consciousness. Though falling asleep for a few seconds at a time may not seem like a big deal, seconds can be the difference between life and death when behind the wheel.
What Should I Do if I Believe the Driver Who Hit Me Was Asleep?
If you have reason to believe the driver responsible for an accident was asleep at the wheel, the most important thing you can do is immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention. This is imperative as it allows the police to conduct an investigation while ensuring you receive adequate medical care.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help improve your chances of holding the other party liable for their actions. Using the police report, photos of the accident scene, accident reconstruction, medical records, and eyewitness testimony, you and your attorney can fight to hold the other driver liable for falling asleep behind the wheel of the car and subsequently injuring you.
If this represents your circumstances, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. At Tropical Injury Law Firm, our team believes the negligent party should be held liable for their actions, which is why we will help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our team today to learn how we can fight for you.
