We all get tired. It is a part of the human condition. However, driving while drowsy can have serious consequences.
Fatigued drivers are a common occurrence on our roadways, whether they are motorists on long commutes or truck drivers who might be exhausted during a long haul. Yet, causing an accident while being fatigued is still considered a traffic violation, as it shows poor judgment by someone who chose to drive while not being fully alert and aware of their surroundings.
A Long Island driver fatigue accident lawyer can provide you legal support if you would like to file a lawsuit against someone who caused you bodily injuries or damaged your property due to drowsy driving.
Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free consultation about your case.
Driving While Drowsy Can Be Just as Dangerous as Driving While Drunk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving while experiencing fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. A survey found that over 37 percent of workers in the United States get less than seven hours of sleep.
Employees whose jobs involve long working hours that involve driving, working in irregular shifts, and long commutes are more likely to drive while being fatigued. Employees who cause accidents due to drowsy driving might not be the only liable party in an accident. The company that employs them might also be held liable and pursued in court.
The most common causes of driver fatigue include:
- Being awake for long periods of time
- Not sleeping enough over multiple days
- Having a poor sleep/wake cycle
- Repetitive tasks or prolonged periods of inactivity
- Medications that list drowsiness as a side effect
- Sleeping disorders
Many people do not expect to fall asleep at the wheel, and it can take them by surprise. If they start to wake up, doing so might cause them to swerve erratically and veer into another lane. No one plans to fall asleep at the wheel of the vehicle, but they are obligated to be alert and aware of their surroundings while driving.
You Must Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
If available, your lawyer may request evidence to demonstrate how the other party’s negligence caused the accident. Evidence, such as documents, can be essential to building your case and proving why you might be entitled to receive compensation.
Evidence that can be used during our investigation might include:
- Surveillance footage: Street surveillance camera footage or footage from other surveillance cameras from commercial buildings or private residences might be used to show how the accident occurred.
- Medical records: Records might be used to present proof of your accident-related injuries. These records might also include records from first responders or hospital staff who treated your injuries.
- Photos of property damage: You can use photos of any property damage you suffered to show the severity of your damages.
- Diagnostic repair records from an auto shop: Records from auto shops can be used to determine the value of your property damage.
- Police records: Records from first responders, such as police officers, might be used to support your perspective of events that took place.
- Eyewitness statements: Eyewitness statements might support some of your claims, such as when and how the accident occurred or whether the other driver was drowsy.
Long Island Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Types of Compensation You Might Be Entitled to Receive
You can be compensated for your injuries in a variety of ways. A Long Island driver fatigue accident lawyer can categorize and determine the value of your losses. You might be able to receive compensation for the following types of losses:
- Medical expenses: You might receive compensation for medical treatments you needed to have because of your injuries and future medical care you expect to receive to treat your injuries.
- Lost wages and loss of future income: If you were not able to go to work because of your injuries, you might be compensated for wages you lost while you were healing. If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your abilities to perform your previous work duties, you might be compensated for having your earning capacity diminished or losing wages in the future.
- Pain and suffering: You might receive compensation for the physical pain and mental anguish caused by the accident.
- Vehicle repairs: You might be able to recover the costs of vehicle repairs or replacement if the vehicle was totaled.
You Must Comply with the Statute of Limitations
According to the New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) § 214, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit about personal injuries you sustained in a car accident. If you want to pursue compensation, you must file your case on time.
It is important to note that although three years might seem like enough time to file a lawsuit, it can take years to build your case, depending on the circumstances of the accident. Call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 to get started on your case.
Our Attorneys Are Here for You
Car accidents can change your life in an instant, and our team at Morelli Law Firm is ready to handle your case. If you are looking for a Long Island driver fatigue accident lawyer, we are ready to fight for your compensation.
Call Morelli Law Firm at (212) 751-9800 if you would like to speak with a member of our team about your case. We are happy to discuss your potential litigation options and whether you might qualify for a personal injury case.