If you or a loved one was injured because of a fatigued driver, you could be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. You could secure financial recovery for your economic and non-economic damages.
A Houston driver fatigue accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins may be able to provide legal representation. Call one of our Houston car accident lawyers today at (877) 239-4878 for a free consultation. A member of our Houston personal injury lawyer team can explain how we can help you.
Fatigued drivers contributed to over 4,700 crashes statewide in 2019 alone, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). All too often, drowsy drivers push themselves to stay on the road and end up falling asleep at the wheel. When this happens, they can cause life-threatening collisions.
Driver Fatigue Can Be Dangerous
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), driver fatigue happens when someone does not get enough sleep and gets behind the wheel. The organization reports that 37% of workers on the road get less sleep than they need, meaning that thousands of fatigued drivers could be on the road every day.
There are many common causes of fatigue beyond simply not getting enough rest before driving. Fatigue can build up over several days of not getting a full night’s sleep or increase at nighttime. People with sleep disorders or on certain medications can also be at a greater risk of fatigued driving.
Fatigued driving can result in:
Delayed Reflexes
The NIOSH says that driving while fatigued shares many of the symptoms of driving while intoxicated. A tired driver has dulled senses and reflexes and, therefore, may not be able to notice and respond to certain conditions on the road.
Distracted Driving
When a drowsy driver is on the road, their mind may be focused on things other than driving. For instance, a fatigued driver may be thinking about getting home quickly. A motorist who is not fully focused on the act of driving could cause a serious accident.
A Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Drowsiness can result in poor vision. This could make it difficult for a driver to see a traffic signal and act accordingly. If a drowsy driver ran a traffic signal, causing your accident, they may have been issued a traffic citation. If so, this information can be used to support your account of events.
There could be other factors in your car accident case than those we have discussed here. When you get in touch with Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we can discuss the circumstances of your case and how we can help you. Your first consultation is performed at no cost to you. To explore your legal options, call (877) 239-4878.
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What to Do After an Accident with a Fatigued Driver
Even if you are well-rested, that does not mean that the other drivers around you will be. When a drowsy motorist makes the decision to operate a motor vehicle, they effectively breach their duty of care. This means that they could be held financially liable for the expenses stemming from a collision.
Following an accident with a fatigued driver, you should consider:
Getting Medical Attention
The health and safety of you and your loved ones should be your top priority. You should get checked out by a doctor even if you do not feel like anything is wrong. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until your life is in danger.
Reporting the Accident
Per Texas Transportation Code § 550.062, filing a police report is mandatory if a collision causes any injuries, deaths, or property damage more than $1,000. The police report may detail the time, date, and location of the crash. Furthermore, it may contain information about who caused the accident.
Collecting Evidence
While your lawyer can conduct an investigation into your circumstances, you may already have some pieces of evidence that could help your case. Evidence in your case could include photos of your injuries and property damage, your medical records, and your car’s repair receipts.
Working with a Lawyer
A car accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you secure financial recovery for your out-of-pocket damages.
You may be able to seek payment for:
- The cost of repairing your vehicle
- Health care expenses
- Lost earnings
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
You can call our team today to learn more.
Texas’s Car Accident Statute of Limitations
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If your legal team files a lawsuit, they will need to prove that the defendant caused the accident and should pay for your losses. A Houston driver fatigue accident lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help you do just that. Our legal team prepares each case for court regardless of whether or not it goes to trial.
877-239-4878Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
Loncar Lyon Jenkins Will Fight for You
Our firm has been fighting for injured claimants since 1988. We work out of eight offices across the state of Texas, serving over 7,000 clients a year. We treat each client with the respect they deserve.
If you choose to work with us, we will seek compensation on your behalf either through an insurance settlement or court award. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to protecting your legal rights and explaining your options. We will never accept a settlement without your permission.
Bring in the Strong Arm by contacting us today at (877) 239-4878. During a free consultation, a team member can explain how a Houston driver fatigue accident lawyer can help you.
