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Even if their circumstances are understandable, drivers who fall asleep at the wheel are still engaging in negligent behavior, putting others at risk.
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By Tom Metier
Did You Know: Every year, more than 109,000 people are seriously injured by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel. *Source: Bankrate.com
Metier Law Firm cares about helping keeping drivers safe from car crashes on the road. To that end, we want to share some information from our personal injury attorneys that is key to know when it comes to sleepy drivers. If you've been in a car crash with a driver who was asleep at the wheel, contact our car accident attorneys today to help get you the justice you deserve.
Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel may be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, but they could just as easily be stressed, overworked or in the middle of a long drive. Even if their circumstances are understandable, drivers who fall asleep at the wheel are still creating a dangerous environment and putting other drivers at risk. All drivers on the road have an obligation to drive safely and look out for the safety of others, which is called the driver’s “legal duty of care.” If you fail to fulfill this duty and cause an accident, the law says you can be held liable.
It is law enforcement’s job to document the scene and determine the cause of the accident, but it can be difficult to find physical evidence of a driver falling asleep. If the driver refuses to admit his mistake, here are a few quick tips to help you gather evidence for your claim:
Even if a driver falls asleep due to ordinary fatigue, their decision to drive impaired still makes them negligent. A 25-year-old bicyclist from Princeton lost his life because someone chose to drive on too little sleep.
Toni Rosales of Palisade, Colorado was running late for a court date on DUI charges when she struck and killed Eunjey Cho, a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corp who was biking cross-country. Her lawyer said she fell asleep at the wheel because she was struggling with issues stemming from childhood abuse, and often went a week without sleeping.
Even with mitigating circumstances, Rosales still pled guilty to charges of vehicular homicide. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25; she could face 2-24 years behind bars.
If a driver’s fatigue causes an accident, he can still be found negligent and eligible for a personal injury claim. If the crash turns fatal, as it did for the bicyclist, the driver can even be charged with wrongful death. To discuss the details of your auto accident, call Metier Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.
Sleepy drivers are still considered reckless, and they should be held accountable for your injuries.
Did You Know: Every year, more than 72,000 people are seriously injured by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.
Metier Law Firm, LLC – Injury Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide
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