Maison Law represents anyone that’s been hurt in a car accident in California. Of all the different causes of car accidents, one of the leading causes involves drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is obviously dangerous, not just for drivers themselves, but everyone on the road. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, contact us today for a free consultation.
Why is Drowsy Driving Such an Issue in California?
There’s nothing inherent to California that makes drowsy driving more prevalent here. But, drowsy driving is often overlooked as a factor in car accidents. After all, there are times when you yourself probably have to drive when you’re tired.
But the fact remains that drowsy driving is the 10th leading cause of car accidents in California, and it’s not difficult to see why. A study from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) found that drowsy driving contributed to:
- 4,000 accidents in 2023.
- 5,000 accidents between 2021 and 2022.
Obviously, this is an ongoing issue. And while it’s not technically against the law, the data shows that drowsy driving is very dangerous. In order to be prepared, it’s important to look at how it causes accidents–and what you can do if you’re in one.
How Does Drowsy Driving Cause Car Accidents in California?
Drowsy driving is a serious problem, and while it’s been well studied, it’s still an ongoing issue. When someone drives while drowsy or otherwise tired, it seriously impacts all the things they need to drive safely. This, in turn, leads to accidents caused by things like:
- Trouble focusing – Tired drivers struggle to keep their attention on the road, making it easy to miss important signs or changes in traffic.
- Falling asleep at the wheel – Extreme fatigue can cause a driver to nod off or completely fall asleep, even for just a few seconds, which can lead to serious crashes.
- Slower reaction times – When a driver is drowsy, their body and mind respond more slowly to things like traffic lights, sudden stops, or other vehicles, increasing the risk of a collision.
- Poor judgment – Fatigue affects how a driver makes decisions, leading them to take risks they wouldn’t normally take, like speeding or not noticing other cars.
With these factors, it leads to all manner of different car accidents. Most of the time, though, it results in serious head-on or rear-end collisions, as well as rollovers from running off the road. This puts everyone at risk for serious or even fatal injuries, particularly you and other drivers. The question then becomes, what can you do about it?
For more information, you can visit our blog naming the other top ten causes of California car accidents.
What Options Do You Have After a Drowsy Driving Accident in California?
While a drowsy driving accident presents unique challenges, it’s still a car accident claim. So, your legal options don’t change: you get to file an injury claim against the driver that was responsible for the accident. You can do this in two ways, mainly:
- An insurance claim
- A personal injury lawsuit
Once you’ve filed your claim, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses – These cover costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and treatments.
- Lost income – These damages are for the money you lose from not being able to work due to your injuries. This can also include future income if your injuries prevent you from working long-term.
- Property damage – These damages cover the repair or replacement of damaged vehicles or personal items.
- Pain and suffering – This category of damages is for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress – Similarly, these damages are for the psychological effects, like anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
- Loss of companionship or quality of life – These damages cover how your injuries affect your relationships and ability to enjoy life.
- Wrongful death expenses – These damages cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering if the accident results in death.
Specifically, the damages you can recover is going to rely on the details of your accident and injuries, as well as how strong your case is. In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim, so it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact Maison Law For Help After a Drowsy Driving Accident in California
Any car accident can be unpredictable, but this is especially true when the other driver is tired or drowsy. However, you do have options. At Maison Law, our California car accident lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights.
With our experience and resources, we can:
- Explain your rights under the law and what your options are
- Help you gather important evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies and reps
- Take your case to court, if necessary
- Make things easier for you
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowsy driving or any other type of car accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
