Every day, many drivers in Texas get behind the wheel while dangerously drowsy or fatigued, endangering the lives of others. If you are injured in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation from his or her car insurance policy. However, you may need help from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer to prove your case and achieve a fair outcome.
Operating a motor vehicle requires a driver’s full concentration, focus and attention. When a driver is drowsy, he or she cannot meet this expectation. Drowsiness has been compared to drunk driving in terms of its effects on a driver’s ability to handle and control a motor vehicle.
Sleep deprivation can lead to a wandering mind, delayed reflexes, slower reaction times, and physical effects such as blurred vision and muscle weakness. All of these issues can impair a motorist’s ability to drive.
An individual may drive tired due to a lack of adequate sleep, a medical condition such as sleep apnea, a reversed sleeping schedule, long overnight drives and pressure from work. These factors can result in driver drowsiness or fatigue that increases the risk of an accident. The signs of a drowsy driver can include drifting in and out of lanes, abruptly braking or accelerating, missing road signs and traffic signals, and following others too closely.
If you notice signs of drowsy driving, keep a safe distance from the motorist. Report the driver to the police if he or she is driving dangerously or recklessly. If you are hit by a driver who was exhibiting signs of drowsiness prior to the crash, report the accident to the police and tell your side of the story. After getting medical care for your injuries, contact the drowsy driver’s car insurance company to file a claim.
In Texas, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible, or liable, for paying for the crash. To recover financial compensation from the other driver, you or your car accident attorney must prove fault. A lawyer can help you prove drowsy driving using evidence such as crash scene documentation, videos and photographs, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction.
All drivers in Texas are required to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $25,000 in property damage insurance. These are the minimum amounts that should be available to you from a drowsy driver’s car insurance company. Accessing this insurance can reimburse you for damages such as your medical expenses, property damage repairs and lost income.
Proving drowsy driving during a car accident case in Texas is easier with an attorney by your side. A law firm will have resources such as car accident experts and crash reconstructionists to help you establish fault for the collision. You can rest and focus on healing from your injuries while a lawyer handles the claims process for you.
To discuss a recent drowsy driving accident with a personal injury lawyer in Austin at no cost or obligation, contact FVF Law Firm at (512) 640-2146 for a free initial consultation. Our lawyers have over 100 years of experience.
Signs of drowsy driving can include swerving, drifting between lanes, delayed reactions, and sudden braking. If these behaviors were observed before the accident, they may indicate the driver was fatigued. FVF Law can help gather witness statements and other evidence to support your claim.
The drowsy driver is often held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the accident. However, in cases involving commercial drivers, the driver’s employer could also be liable, especially if they failed to adhere to federal or state regulations on driver rest periods. FVF Law can investigate all potentially liable parties and pursue maximum compensation for you.
Victims of drowsy driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and other losses. FVF Law is dedicated to helping you recover full and fair compensation to address the impact of the accident on your life.
After any accident, prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention, document the accident scene if possible, and obtain contact information for any witnesses. Then, consult with an attorney. FVF Law offers free consultations to help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Drowsy driving accident cases can be complex and often require expert evidence and legal insight. Having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in proving the driver’s negligence and maximizing your compensation. FVF Law’s attorneys have the experience and resources to advocate effectively on your behalf.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible, as evidence may be time-sensitive. FVF Law can help you navigate the timeline and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
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