It is essential that a driver has the proper amount of rest before they get behind the wheel. Fatigued driving can be as hazardous as drunk driving. Not only must drivers get the proper amount of sleep, but their rest must also be quality sleep. When one suffers from sleep disorders, they are far more at risk of causing a serious car accident. It does not matter if a driver was fatigued; they would still be deemed negligent when they act unreasonably behind the wheel.
How Insufficient Sleep Can Cause Car Accidents?
In general, drivers who sleep less pose a greater risk of causing car accidents. Motorists who sleep only six hours per night are 33% more likely to be involved in car accidents than those who get seven or eight hours of sleep each night. The statistics are far more alarming for drivers who suffer from sleep apnea. Those who deal with severe sleep apnea have a 123% greater chance of being involved in a car accident.
Sleep apnea can cause car accidents due to:
- Frequent interruptions in sleep cause daytime fatigue.
- Reduced reaction times to challenges on the roadway.
- Impairment in concentration and ability to focus on the road.
- Increased risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Sleep Apnea May Cause Even More Serious Car Accident Injuries
Sleep apnea causes an even greater risk of car accidents when it is untreated. The same thing goes for taking sleep medications for better rest, as opposed to treating the underlying causes of sleep apnea. Even though one may get sleep, their rest is often disturbed, and it is not of the same quality as that of those who do not suffer from the condition. One who has sleep apnea should seek treatment for the condition so as not to interfere with their daytime hours and ability to perform tasks such as driving. However, using a CPAP machine does not necessarily lower the risk of an accident, as the most effective way to reduce the risk of sleep apnea from causing a car crash is to undergo surgery for the condition.
Fatigued driving can cause serious car accidents and injuries. They often occur at high speeds and with no warning whatsoever, giving you no opportunity to take any type of evasive action to either avoid the crash or lower its severity. The fatigued driver is impaired in a similar way as if they were under the influence of alcohol. In some cases, fatigued driving may be even worse because the motorist may experience microsleep, or even fall asleep outright behind the wheel.
Do I Need to Prove That the Other Driver Was Fatigued?
If you have been involved in a car accident with a fatigued driver, you may be wondering how you can prove that they did not get the proper rest. In most cases, you would not have to do this because the driver’s actions alone would be evidence of negligence. For example, if the driver suddenly lost control of their car, that would be an action that a reasonable driver would not take under any circumstances. You would only need to prove that the driver was fatigued if liability was a close call in the accident, or the insurance company is trying to blame you. If your car accident case goes to trial, your lawyer may even be able to subpoena the other driver’s medical records, and they would certainly be able to talk to them in a deposition.
Contact the Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki Today
If you have been involved in any type of motor vehicle crash, reach out to the experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyers at Rubenstein & Rynecki. We can review your case and help determine whether you can seek financial compensation for your car accident injuries. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our car accident lawyers by submitting our online contact form or calling 718-522-1020. With our office located in Brooklyn, New York, we proudly serve clients throughout New York City, including Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
