Everyone gets tired behind the wheel sooner or later, and it’s up to you to take responsibility for the safety of yourself and others on the road by recognizing the signs of driver fatigue. Unfortunately, no matter how responsible you are when you’re behind the wheel, there’s no guarantee that the other driver will be as responsible.
Driver fatigue is a major cause of car accidents across the United States, and it can be hard to prove that the other driver was too tired to be on the road. Fortunately, a car accident lawyer Raleigh, NC can help you investigate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver.
Read on to learn more about how driver fatigue affects drivers, and see how the professionals at Burton Law Firm can help you get justice, compensation, and closure.
- What is driver fatigue?
Driver fatigue is what happens when you decide to operate a motor vehicle on too little sleep or inadequate rest – but sometimes sleep (or lack thereof) doesn’t even factor into the equation. A fatigued driver may be tired out because he or she had a demanding day at work, or because he or she was participating in sports or another physically demanding activity. In some cases, driver fatigue can be caused by medication, or even diet.
- What are the warning signs of driver fatigue?
Fatigue effects everyone differently. Some people may experience slowed reflexes or imparied decision-making. Others may actually start nodding off – especially on long, boring drives. Perhaps most frighteningly, some fatigued drivers experience a sort of amnesia, completely forgetting what happened during the past couple of minutes or miles.
- How do you prevent driver fatigue?
Preventing driver fatigue means getting enough sleep before hitting the road, but in today’s society it’s much easier said than done. However, it’s important to get adequate rest before operating a motor vehicle, and no amount of caffeine or loud music is enough to offset how fatigue effects your driving ability. Proper rest, proper diet, and avoiding certain medications that make you drowsy – all important tools to prevent driver fatigue.
- How does negligence affect a car accident case?
If a car accident happens, there’s usually a reason. There could have been dangerous road conditions, or an improperly designed intersection at fault, but usually one of the drivers is assigned the blame. However, if that driver neglected their responsibility to keep other drivers safe, he or she can be viewed as negligent, and he or she can be open for a personal injury lawsuit. Examples of negligent drivers can include driving while texting, or driving while impaired, such as while drunk or fatigued.
- How can a lawyer help me?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your damages. Your bills can stack up and send you into dire financial straits without proper legal representation, and with the help of a lawyer you can get the compensation you deserve from the driver who caused your accident in the first place.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer who cares. Get in touch with the professionals at Burton Law Firm today, and get started on your journey to justice and compensation.