One man was critically injured after he ran a stop sign and his vehicle was hit by an 18-wheeler. The crash happened just before 7 a.m. on U.S. 71 about 30 minutes north of Lafayette.
Although the truck driver was not injured in the crash, his vehicle rolled over and was severely damaged. According to KATC, police do not suspect that impairment was involved in the crash.
Law enforcement has not yet identified the reason why the man ran the stop sign. There are several factors that contribute to these early-morning accidents. Some of the most common are:
- Fatigue;
- Sun glare;
- Speeding; and
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact Morris Bart, LLC. An accident lawyer in Lafayette will review the police report and doctors’ records, interview witnesses and help you fight for the maximum compensation.
The at-fault motorist may be liable for your vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. If you would like to discuss your case in a free initial consultation, call 800-537-8185 today.
Let’s take a closer look at four common reasons for early-morning accidents:
Fatigue
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 Americans do not get enough sleep. Fatigue can have a profound impact on a driver’s performance, causing symptoms that are similar to intoxication such as:
- Delayed reaction time;
- Impaired decision-making;
- Inattention; and
- Inability to identify dangerous scenarios.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Sun Glare
Sun glare-related accidents are most common just after sunrise and just before sunset. It can cause temporary blindness, which can make it difficult to notice stop signs, traffic lights and hazards in the road.
Speeding
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that speeding contributed to more than one-quarter of all traffic deaths in 2014. The reason? Driving too fast for the conditions will extend your stopping distance and reduce the amount of time you have to react to unexpected hazards in the road.
Speeding also increases the risk of hydroplaning in wet weather, and high-speed accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries and deaths.
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Distractions
In an effort to get more shuteye, some people eat their breakfast on the go. However, eating and drinking behind the wheel will distract you visually, cognitively and physically.
It is particularly dangerous to drink hot beverages such as coffee while driving. Spilling coffee on your lap could lead to an abrupt jerk of the steering wheel.
If you were injured by a distracted, drowsy or negligent driver in Louisiana, turn to Morris Bart, LLC for legal guidance. An accident lawyer in Lafayette will help you recover the maximum compensation.
A small mistake during the claims process could reduce the amount of compensation you ultimately recover, or prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. Our legal team will help you avoid mistakes such as overlooking certain damages, making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, or signing a general release.
Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free consultation.
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