If a motor vehicle driver is too tired to drive, this can interfere with his or her ability to safely control a car. Drowsiness can lead to serious and fatal automobile accidents in San Antonio. After these collisions, the drowsy driver can be held accountable for paying for the victim’s medical bills and property damage. If you’re injured in a car accident, make sure to speak with an experienced accident attorney in San Antonio
Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
Drowsy driving has been compared to drunk driving in terms of how much it impacts a driver’s capabilities. Both drowsy and drunk driving can affect judgment, decision-making, reaction times and physical ability. For example, a sleep-deprived driver may be incapable of noticing changing roadway situations and reacting in time to avoid a collision.
When a driver is tired, he or she cannot dedicate the attention to the road necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. Decreased vigilance and inattention can increase the likelihood of an accident in the same manner as distracted driving.
A drowsy driver may suffer from brain fog that leads to missed traffic signs and signals. By the time a tired driver recognizes a hazard, it may be too late to stop. In the most severe cases, a fatigued driver may fall asleep behind the wheel. This can result in catastrophic collisions, such as high-speed rear-end and head-on collisions.
Signs That a Driver Is Drowsy
When you are driving in San Antonio, it is important to be on the lookout for potential signs of a drowsy driver. Spotting drowsy drivers on the road can help you maintain a safe distance and take the necessary steps to avoid an accident.
Possible signs of a tired driver include:
- Drifting or swerving in and out of lanes
- Erratic driving
- Driving too fast or too slowly
- Pausing for too long at stop signs and red lights
- Delayed reactions
- Running red lights or missing road signs
- Abrupt braking or accelerating
As a motor vehicle driver, you are responsible for never driving while tired. If you notice you are yawning, blinking a lot, your eyelids are getting heavy, your mind is wandering, it is difficult to concentrate or your reactions are delayed, pull over and rest. There is no substitute for sleep.
How to Prove Drowsy Driving
If you get involved in an accident and believe the other driver was fatigued or fell asleep behind the wheel, you must prove this is more likely to be true than not true to recover financial compensation. It is an accident victim’s (plaintiff’s) burden to provide the proof required for a successful claim.
While evidence can vary from case to case, proof of drowsy driving may include:
- Confession by the driver
- The driver’s medical records
- A diagnosis of sleep apnea
- A prescription for a medication that can cause drowsiness
- Sleep deprivation
- Someone who drives for a living (e.g., a truck driver)
- A long work shift or overnight drive
- Violated hours-of-service regulations (for commercial drivers)
After this type of accident, call law enforcement to obtain a police report. The police can search for evidence of drowsy driving on your behalf. Take photographs of the crash scene before you leave. Get medical care for your injuries without delay. Then, contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. An attorney can help you prove fault and seek maximum compensation for your losses.