Everyone is aware that driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is not only dangerous but also illegal. Drivers often fail to recognize, however, the danger associated with driving while fatigued. In fact, the dangers inherent to driving while drowsy are so serious that there are strict hours-of-service regulations at the state and federal level for commercial drivers. If a fatigued driver leaves you injured, consult with an experienced car accident attorney in the Carolinas.

Fatigued Driving: The Statistics

The National Safety Council shares statistics that highlight exactly how dangerous driving while fatigued is, including:

• A driver’s reaction time, ability to recognize road hazards, and attention span are all negatively affected by fatigue. The more fatigued the driver is, the more significant the effects are.
• Fatigued drivers are a full three-times more likely to be involved in car accidents.
• When a motorist goes without sleep for more than 20 hours, his or her impairment is equal to a driver with a BAC of .08 (the legal limit).

You wouldn’t get behind the wheel after hoisting several drinks, and you should apply the same caution when you are fatigued.

Evidence of Fatigue

If a driver’s fatigue causes you to be injured, that fatigue can be difficult to prove. An experienced car accident lawyer, however, has the tools, means, and ability to help you obtain plausible evidence in support of the other driver’s level of fatigue. Erratic driving, distracted driving, drifting in and out of lanes, changing speed erratically, and more can all be signs of driver fatigue. Further, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and accident photos can all help build your case against a fatigued driver.

Your Case

You’ve been injured by a fatigued driver, but the insurance company involved may not want to see it that way. Insurance companies are in the business of turning massive profits, and one of their most effective tools for doing so is by minimizing their settlement amounts – or even by denying claims outright. The insurance company will likely attempt to deny or diminish its client’s responsibility for the accident and has plenty of resources at its disposal for doing so. Insurance representatives are skilled at what they do, and it is in your best interest not to engage. An experienced car accident lawyer will work with the insurance company on your behalf to help you obtain compensation that adequately covers the physical, financial, and emotional damages you’ve suffered as a result of the other driver’s fatigue.

If a Fatigued Driver Leaves You Injured, You Need a Knowledgeable North Carolina/South Carolina Car Accident Attorney on Your Side

If you’ve been injured by a fatigued driver, attorney Justin Bice at Bice Law  – with offices in South Carolina and North Carolina – is here to help. Our dedicated legal team proudly serves the Carolinas, and we have the experience and skill to help guide your claim toward its most positive resolution. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at 877-BICE-877 today.