Most people in Oklahoma have a tendency to feel fatigued at some point during the day. While the feeling may come as nothing more than a minor inconvenience in most cases, it could cause serious problems if the drowsiness becomes overwhelming, especially when driving is involved.
Car accidents caused by sleepy drivers can have devastating consequences. Even if you remain vigilant in getting enough sleep, other drivers may not take such precautions, and you could suffer serious injuries due to someone else’s choice to drive while sleepy.
Causes of drowsiness
Numerous factors can cause fatigue. Even if you go to bed early, you could find yourself waking up multiple times during the night for various reasons, or you may have lost sleep over the course of several days that has led to sleep debt that leaves you feeling drowsy. Additionally, you may begin to feel drowsy because you have already spent a long time driving or have taken medication that has a sedative effect.
Common times for accidents
Though car accidents caused by drowsy driving can take place at any time, these types of crashes more commonly occur during periods of the day when sleepiness typically hits, such as at night or mid-afternoon. Of course, if you work night shifts or have a sleep disorder, the resulting daytime fatigue could increase the risk of an accident.
Risk factors
Common risk factors for drowsy driving include:
- Less than 6 hours of sleep
- Poor sleep quality
- Forgetting to take rest breaks
- Driving long distances
Drowsy driving accidents
If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, your first priority should be to get the medical treatment you need. Next, talk to a personal injury lawyer about receiving the full compensation you need and deserve. Keep in mind that the insurance company’s initial offer is likely nowhere close to the amount you may need for medical expenses, lost wages and other costs resulting from the crash. A personal injury attorney can handle all of your communications with the insurance company and help you get the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
