Plantation Accident Attorneys For Victims of Drowsy Drivers
If you were hit by a tired driver and injured, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses
Driving is a complex activity that requires us to be alert. But every day, there are drivers on the road who are just too tired to drive. Fatigue can interfere with the ability to operate a vehicle safely. When drivers have not had enough sleep and get behind the wheel, the result is often a car accident that leaves people with serious injuries.
A drowsy driving crash can cause broken bones and serious injuries to the head, neck, or back. If a fatigued or tired driver left you injured, you deserve financial compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer from Feingold Posner Draizin in Plantation, FL, can help. We hold negligent drivers accountable and fight insurance company attempts to pay you less.
Drowsy driving significantly increases the risk of an accident
Driving safely requires cognitive skills and the ability to adapt to changing road conditions. However, fatigue significantly impacts physical and cognitive ability, making tired drivers a danger on the road. Drowsiness can lead to an accident, due to:
- Reduced reaction time – Sleepiness slows down a driver’s reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly to sudden changes in traffic, obstacles, or emergency situations.
- Impaired judgment – Fatigue affects cognitive functions, impairing a driver’s ability to make sound decisions. Drowsy drivers may misjudge distances, speeds, and gaps in traffic, increasing the likelihood of making critical errors.
- Reduced alertness – Staying alert and maintaining constant awareness of the driving environment is essential for safe driving. Drowsy drivers may have lapses in attention, missing important cues such as traffic signals, stop signs, and other vehicles’ movements.
- Nodding off – Extreme fatigue can cause a driver to nod off or fall asleep at the wheel. Even a momentary lapse into sleep can result in the vehicle veering off the road, crossing into oncoming traffic, or crashing into other vehicles or obstacles.
- Decreased coordination – Drowsiness can affect motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making it more difficult for drivers to steer, brake, and accelerate smoothly. Poor coordination can lead to erratic driving behaviors and increase the risk of accidents.
- Inability to stay in lane – Drowsy drivers often have difficulty maintaining their lane position. They may drift into other lanes or onto the shoulder of the road, increasing the risk of side-swiping other vehicles or running off the road.
Recovering compensation after being injured by a tired driver can be difficult
Negligent drivers typically deny that fatigue was a factor and refuse to accept any responsibility for what happened. Insurance companies often approach drowsy driving accident claims with scrutiny, as they know that establishing liability can be complex. There are several ways they may dispute claims:
- Lack of direct evidence – Proving that a driver was drowsy at the time of an accident is challenging because there are no tests, like breathalyzers for alcohol intoxication, that can conclusively prove sleepiness. Insurers may argue that there is no evidence of fatigue.
- Citing other factors – Insurers may point to road conditions, bad weather, or other factors as causes of the accident.
- Blaming you for what happened – The insurance company may argue that your actions contributed to the accident. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, any compensation you are awarded could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The goal of the insurance company is to pay you as little as possible for what happened. They often will offer you a settlement shortly after the accident – one that falls far short of covering the damages you suffered.
We know how to build strong cases for injured crash victims
All of the attorneys at our firm know how insurance companies handle cases like this. We all used to represent insurance companies in personal injury claims. We know the tactics and strategies they’ll use to try to limit your compensation. And we know what it takes to get results. As your lawyer, we can:
- Investigate the accident – This includes reviewing the official accident report, interviewing witnesses, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and, if possible, obtaining data from the car’s “black box” (event data recorder) that might indicate drowsiness, such as erratic driving patterns or a lack of braking before impact.
- Gather documentation of your injuries – We’ll review medical records and work with medical professionals to document the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life.
- Determine your total damages – This includes all current and future medical expenses related to your injuries, lost wages if you couldn’t work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
- Handle all communications with the insurance company – We will keep you informed of the progress of your case and negotiate a settlement that meets your needs.
- Take legal action – If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, a personal injury lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and handle all aspects of the litigation process.
Get answers to your questions and put your mind at ease
We know that the time following a car accident can be very confusing. You are trying to ensure you get all the medical treatment you need. Dealing with insurance companies is getting frustrating. You may have many questions, and you may not be sure what to do next.
One of our attorneys can meet with you and give you the information you need to decide your next move. We’ll review the details of your accident, go over your legal options, and answer your questions. There’s no cost and no obligation.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. When you call us, you get us.