Drowsy Driving Accidents

Exhausted drivers who choose to get behind the wheel of a car risk their own lives and the lives of other drivers. There is no excuse for drowsy driving, and those that engage in such dangerous behavior should be held accountable for their actions, especially if said actions cause a collision. If you or a loved one has been injured in this kind of accident, you need a drowsy driving attorney with experience in this practice area. 

Sutliff & Stout is your best chance to get the compensation you deserve after sustaining injuries in an accident with a driver who made such a careless decision. We have pursued damages for numerous families adversely impacted by someone who fell asleep at the wheel, causing injury to others. 

What Is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is characterized by drivers falling asleep at the wheel or being unable to be coherent due to sleep deprivation. Many drivers fail to realize how much fatigue impacts their judgment when operating a motor vehicle. Yet, 1 in 5 automobile accidents occurs due to the drowsy driving of at least one driver. In some instances, drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The effects of drowsy driving are widespread and may include: 

• Impaired judgment in terms of distance from other vehicles
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Difficulty remembering traffic rules or routes
• Loss of vigilance regarding roadway safety

One of the challenges of addressing drowsy driving is that drivers often fail to see how dangerous it is. Because it is not unlawful in the same way driving under the influence, many drivers fail to take it seriously enough. 

Who Is Most Likely to Engage in Drowsy Driving?

Anyone is subject to drowsy driving, but some professions are more likely than others to manifest this dangerous behavior. They include: 

• Late shift/overnight workers
• Commercial drivers, especially long-distance truck drivers
• Airline workers
• Younger drivers

Those most likely to engage in drowsy driving may experience its effects before realizing what is happening to them. This is why it is such an insidious issue and why drivers should never get behind the wheel when they know they are sleep-deprived. It is far more prudent to treat drowsy driving the way you would driving under the influence: don’t do it. Take a cab or Uber instead, even if this means coming back for your vehicle after you have had some sleep. 

What to Expect from a Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer

The truth is that most drowsy drivers know they are sleep-deprived before getting behind the wheel. Some may feel pressured by the companies for which they work to meet deadlines, even if they know continuing to drive is unlawful. Both the individual who made the decision to drive and the company for which they are driving (if applicable) should be held accountable for the injuries you suffered in a drowsy driving accident.

If you have been injured by someone who has fallen asleep while driving, you should not be forced to deal with the ramifications of the accident on your own. After all, the person chose to drive even after they knew they should not. Given the considerable expenses associated with car accidents, you deserve compensation to get back on your feet after a drowsy driving accident. 

Working with the drowsy driving attorneys at Sutliff & Stout means that you have a team you can trust on your side to represent your interests when filing a claim. We will review your case with you and then walk you through exactly what to expect as we fight for a fair and just outcome for your claim. We will pursue damages to help with pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of income and any other adverse effects that may have come about due to your encounter with a drowsy driver. 

Seek Legal Guidance after a Drowsy Driving Accident

Working with just any lawyer won’t get the job done if you have been involved in a drowsy driving accident. You need a team with expertise on laws governing drowsy drivers in Texas to ensure that you get the compensation you need to recover fully. Sutliff & Stout is that team. Our legal strategy is unparalleled, and we have recovered damages for numerous victims of drowsy drivers. We may be able to do the same for you. 

We are passionate about ensuring that you do not suffer from the financial outpour that this kind of personal injury can bring about. Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today by calling (713) 987-7111 or reaching out online to learn more.