Drowsy driving is a big problem across the U.S. According to the last Gallup Poll monitoring sleep, 40% of Americans get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. This chronic sleep deprivation causes irritability and daytime fatigue. It also increases the likelihood of accidents behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident with a drowsy driver, you have the right to hold them responsible for their actions.
The Morris Bart law firm is here to help. Our team of Birmingham drowsiness lawyers offer a free, no-risk consultation for victims who have been in accidents. We also work on a contingency fee basis only. That means if you decide to retain our services, you do not pay anything up front or out of pocket. We are only paid if there is a successful result in your case.
This means there is no risk to you, but you still get access to our resources and network of professionals. For a free review of your case, contact the Morris Bart law office today at (205) 380-4158.
Facts and Statistics About Drowsy Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one out of every 25 adult drivers reports having fallen asleep while driving within the last 30 days. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that between 2005 and 2009, an average of 83,000 crashes happen each year as a result of drowsy driving. However, because there is no way to test for drowsiness, the likelihood is that these numbers are much higher.
When someone drives drowsy, they lose the ability to:
- Pay as much attention to the road
- React quickly if they need to suddenly brake or steer
- Make good decisions
Teens are particularly susceptible to drowsy driving accidents. They often stay up late studying, working, or socializing and are frequently up early in the morning for school, sports, work, or other activities. This lack of sleep, paired with their inexperience, creates a dangerous combination for many teen drivers.
For a free legal consultation with a Drowsiness Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call 800-537-8185
Types of Injuries That Can Occur in Drowsy Driving Accidents
There are many types of injuries that can occur because of drowsy driving. They include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries are caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function. While TBIs range in severity, severe TBIs can cause changes in personality or impair memory, movement, or sensation.
- Fractures: The force created during a car accident can cause bones to break. While fractures usually heal well with medical treatment and proper rest, if the bone breaks through the skin in the accident, the victim may experience severe bleeding. It also creates the possibility of infection. Victims who are young may experience uneven bone growth.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding is actually a symptom of another injury, but one that can create devastating consequences of its own. Car accidents can cause severe hemorrhaging that leads to external bleeding, seizures, organ failure, coma, and, eventually, death. What makes internal bleeding particularly dangerous is that accident victims do not always realize they are bleeding. This is why it is important to always be seen by a medical professional after any type of serious accident.
- Knee injuries: Knee injuries are common in car accidents, particularly injuries to the knee ligaments like the ACL. These injuries often require surgery and lengthy healing periods.
- Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord is responsible for delivering messages from the brain to the limbs and other parts of the body. Any damage can, therefore, impact sensation and movement. Though some people can live productive lives after a spinal cord injury, the vast majority require wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices to cope with the loss of mobility.
Whether you were injured in one of these ways or some other way, a Birmingham drowsiness lawyer may be able to gather evidence to build a strong case for compensation and hold the drowsy driver responsible for their negligence. For a free review of your case, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158.
Birmingham Drowsiness Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
Damages You May Qualify for After a Drowsy Driving Accident
There are a number of types of damages you may qualify for after a drowsy driving accident, although we cannot estimate your exact damages without first examining the details of your case. However, some of the damages people recover in cases like yours include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Dismemberment or disfigurement
Wrongful Death
If your loved one did not survive because of the seriousness of their injuries, your family may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Medical expenses left to the family to pay
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the care of the victim
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How the Alabama Statute of Limitations May Impact Your Case
Like every other state, Alabama places a limit on the amount of time that you have to recover compensation from another driver after a personal injury accident like a car accident. The statute of limitations in Alabama is two years. That means if you do not pursue compensation from the defendant by filing a claim within two years of the date of your accident, you are generally barred from recovering any type of compensation.
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How a Birmingham Drowsiness Lawyer Can Help
A Birmingham drowsiness lawyer like you will find at the Morris Bart law firm can help you hold the drowsy driver responsible for their negligence. If you retain our services, we can gather evidence and, if necessary, work with accident scene reconstruction experts to establish liability for the accident. We can build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company to the fullest extent of your injuries. If you are ready to get started right away or would just like to take advantage of our free, no-risk consultation, contact the Morris Bart law firm today at (205) 380-4158.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
