Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Represent Victims Injured in Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drivers must always be alert and focused when operating a vehicle. When drivers are drowsy or fatigued, they are less capable of making decisions and assessing hazards on the road. Auto accidents involving drowsy drivers kill at least 1,500 people and injure 40,000 each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that an overly fatigued driver causes one in six car accidents.
Drowsy Driving Can Have Severe Consequences
Driving while drowsy is extremely dangerous, but it seems to be a common behavior for many drivers. A survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that 41% of drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel. Over 25% of the drivers surveyed admitted to driving while too tired in the past month. People who work night shifts or demanding hours are at a greater risk of fatigue, but any temporary disruption in sleep habits can cause drowsiness while on the road.
Drowsy driving is just as risky as driving while intoxicated. Drivers who have been awake for more than 24 hours show the same level of impairment as those with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10, which is above the legal limit for those operating a vehicle. According to the National Sleep Foundation, accidents caused by drowsy drivers may be more severe, as asleep drivers cannot take steps to avoid a collision or lessen the impact.
Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyers at Edelstein Law Hold Drowsy Drivers Accountable for Their Negligence
Ultimately, it is up to the driver to assess their ability to drive safely. If a driver finds themselves drifting in and out of their lane, yawning excessively, closing their eyes, or having trouble focusing, they should pull over immediately and rest before resuming their trip. Drivers who ignore these warning signs put themselves and everyone they share the road with in danger of a serious accident. Car accidents caused by drowsy drivers can result in debilitating injuries or death.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a drowsy driver’s negligence, the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jay L. Edelstein will hold the responsible party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our professional, knowledgeable team will prepare an aggressive legal strategy. It will give your case the personal attention you deserve throughout the process, from filing an insurance claim to any necessary litigation.
With offices conveniently located in Center City, Philadelphia, we represent drowsy driving accident victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 215-893-9311 or 856-809-3150, or contact us online for a free consultation with a qualified Philadelphia auto accident lawyer.