Columbia Drowsy Driving Accident Attorney
Injured by a Fatigued Driver in South Carolina? Let Our Firm Help You!
Drowsy driving can easily result in falling asleep while the vehicle is in motion, potentially causing a devastating car accident. The truth is fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drowsiness can slow your reaction time, negatively impact your coordination and motor skills, and impair your judgment and vigilance.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver in South Carolina, our legal team at the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC is ready to help you obtain your entitled compensation to pay for the medical expenses, property damage, and other losses you suffered from the collision. Since 2004, we have provided our clients with knowledgeable and personalized legal representation inside and outside the courtroom.
Do not wait to call (803) 359-3301 or complete our online contact form today to request a free case evaluation.
Common Causes of Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drowsy driving is a huge concern. The CDC says about 1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep behind the wheel in the previous 30 days, while many more admit to feeling sleep-deprived while driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 800 deaths and approximately 50,000 injuries are caused by about 100,000 police-reported fatigued driving crashes annually. However, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 328,000 drowsy driving collisions—as well as 6,400 fatalities and 109,000 injuries—happen each year, which is more than three times the police-reported figure.
Drowsy driving crashes mostly occur between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. During these times of the day, we experience dips in our circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep. These accidents often involve only a single motorist driving off the road at high speed without braking. Lastly, fatigued driving accidents frequently happen on highways and rural roads.
The following are the types of drivers who are more than likely to drive while fatigued:
- Commercial drivers
- Long-distance truckers
- Individuals who work the night shift or long shifts
- Anyone who fails to average between seven and nine hours of sleep each night
- Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drivers who take prescribed medication
- Individuals with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
Common warning signs of drowsy driving include:
- Frequently yawning or blinking
- Drifting from your lane to another
- Hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road
- Missing an exit
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles you drove
Ready to Hold the Drowsy Driver Responsible for Your Injuries
It is not uncommon for a drowsy driver to not admit to being tired behind the wheel, which is why our legal team can thoroughly investigate the accident, collect and examine evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you maximize your financial compensation. We understand what it takes to help our clients get the best possible outcome in their cases.
Contact us today at (803) 359-3301 to speak with our Columbia drowsy driving accident lawyers!
