Car Accidents - Drowsy Driving

Each year, drowsy driving causes an estimated 71,000 injuries in this country – including several thousand in Pennsylvania. Driving while sleep deprived is as dangerous as driving drunk, and exhausted drivers who choose to get behind the wheel are risking their own lives as well as the lives fellow drivers.

According to the American Association of Automobiles Traffic Safety Foundation, almost 40% of all drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel at some point – a frightening and sobering statistic for all those who travel the roadways. The chances of encountering a drowsy driver are dangerously high – and if you or a loved one is involved in an accident, you will need representation from a firm familiar with drowsy driving claims.

Under Pennsylvania's laws, if you have been injured in a vehicle accident that was caused by another person's carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please call Munley, Munley & Cartwright's lawyers for a free assessment of your case. We have offices conveniently located in Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Hamlin, Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Drowsy driving occurs so frequently because sleep deprivation has become an increasingly common problem. People often begin their morning work commute after a poor night’s sleep – and those driving long distances often push themselves to go greater distances without breaks. Drivers don’t realize how much fatigue impacts their driving reactions and ability to focus on the road. The effects of sleep deprivation on driving technique can be dramatic, including the following:

• Impaired judgment and reaction time;
• Increased aggression;
• Difficulties with short-term memory;
• Loss of vigilance; and
• Falling asleep at the wheel.

Any driver can potentially fall asleep behind the wheel, but certain groups are at higher risk for drowsy driving because they tend to drive later at night, and they include the following:

• Shift workers;
• Business travelers;
• Commercial drivers, including truckers;
• Young drivers; and
• Airline workers.

Fatigue often affects driving before the driver is even aware of the problem. Drivers may not notice when they begin to weave between lanes or daydream, but there are some early warning signs of drowsy driving. Drivers can prevent dangerous fatigue and avoid becoming involved in an accident by practicing the following:

• Avoid alcohol or medication that can cause drowsiness;
• Get enough sleep before going on a long drive;
• Stop for a rest break of at least 10 minutes for every 100 miles of travel; and
• Always wear your seat belt.

Unfortunately, not all drivers follow these tips. Drivers who get behind the wheel while sleepy quickly lose control of their vehicles, crashing into other cars, highway signs, and other heavy objects. The injuries typically associated with drowsy driving accidents can be severe, including the following:

• Disfigurement;
• Head or spinal trauma;
• Burns; and
• Fractures.

These injuries are expensive to treat, and victims and their families often struggle to pay for vital medical treatment and long-term therapy. Victims who file and win personal injury claims against a drowsy driver are eligible to receive compensation for their injuries, including for the following:

• Payment of current and future medical bills;
• Lost income; and
• Pain and suffering.

However, to win an injury claim, victims and their families need representation from attorneys who know how to thoroughly prepare effective claims. The Munley, Munley & Cartwright firm has years of experience in dealing with accident claims. We know how to clearly present the facts of your case and prepare a case strategy designed to protect your interests – not those of the insurance company or other parties.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a drowsy driver, you deserve experienced legal representation from a firm that understands the challenges you face because of your injuries – a firm that is committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve. When drivers engage in behavior that puts others at risk, they must be held accountable – and you shouldn’t have to pay the ultimate price for their negligent and reckless refusal to drive safely.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today online or call us toll free at 877-421-9173.