Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Driver Fatigue Causes Personal Injury (Part B)
How Driver Fatigue Causes Car Accidents and Injuries
Not every mishap or near-miss on the road related to driver fatigue is caused by falling dead asleep at the wheel. If you were run off the road by a seemingly aggressive driver, there may have been one or several fatigue-related causes. It’s important to learn the true nature of the accident in order for your personal injury lawyer to successfully argue your case.
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in interpreting tort theory.
For instance, an individual who dozed off after a long holiday drive home from a family gathering was motivated quite differently than a hired truck driver whose sleep apnea condition caused an unexpected loss of alertness. Motivation for sleep may be the key to a case that recovers money toward your medical bills.
While the first individual may have been liable, it might be difficult to prove, especially if the driver claimed to be awake as stated to police. The second offender may be liable if the sleep condition was known but not treated, or if the hiring company failed to encourage a diagnosis. Both parties could be sued for personal injury based on driver fatigue for causing your injuries or the wrongful death of your loved one.
Other Types of Drowsy Drivers
Drivers may be impaired by:
- Overwork (especially professional drivers)
- Sleep loss
- Interrupted sleep due to mental or physical disorders
- Chronic inadequate nightly sleep
- Circadian rhythms related to time of day
- Medication or illegal drugs
- Alcohol use
Getting to the bottom of a driving fatigue accident may entail the services of expert accident witnesses. These individuals can detect possible driving fatigue clues among the evidence at the collision scene. That is why consulting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the car accident is your best bet for creating a solid case.
Call the Boston personal injury lawyers at the Kiley Law Group for a Free Consultation – (888) 208-1695.
