Drowsy driving is a common cause of car accidents not only in Richmond, VA but throughout the country. According to the estimates of the NHTSA, it could be responsible for up to 10% of fatal accidents. The CDC reports that 4% of drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel at least once in 30 days. This is worrying, considering that fatigue alone:
- Makes drivers unable to pay attention to the road.
- Slows down their reaction time
- Affects their ability to make decisions
Drivers who actually fall asleep lose control of their vehicle and hit any cars or obstacles in their path. In Richmond, VA, car accidents involving drowsy driving are more frequent on I-95 and I-64.
Their victims often end up seeking the help of a car accident lawyer. Virginia laws allow accident victims to recover their losses. However, the process is long and challenging. This is especially true for drowsy driving accidents. Proving fault in these cases is never easy.
That is why an experienced car accident attorney in Richmond will often conduct complex investigations. They will look for symptoms or diagnoses of sleep disorders and traces of drugs or alcohol in the driver’s blood. They will also look into the driver’s work and home schedule. Showing that the driver did not sleep at all or slept very little can help.
Drowsy Driving Consequences and the Need to Work with an Auto Accident Attorney in Richmond, VA
Accidents involving drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or give in to fatigue are devastating. If they do not result in death, they almost always cause serious injuries. Recovering from such injuries takes time, effort, and money.
An auto accident attorney in Richmond can help their clients obtain compensation. They save the latter time and effort by taking over the formalities. They also get them money by expediting procedures and negotiating fast settlements.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the compensation can cover:
- Car repair or replacement
- Treatment costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost earnings
- Disability adjustments
- Physical and emotional torment
- Emotional losses (loss of ability to enjoy life, loss of consortium)
This goes to show the devastating impact drowsy driving can have if it results in accidents. It can cause thousands of dollars worth of damages. It can lead to severe injuries and disability and may even cause death. Also, it will irremediably affect the lives of everyone involved. The only way to diminish the negative impact is to hire a car accident attorney in Richmond, VA.
For the injured victims, spending weeks or months in a hospital or in recovery is not easy. It involves pain, frustration, financial losses, and a lot of stress. Many accident victims claim the event changed their lives forever. Some developed a fear of driving. Others complain about nightmares. Those who incurred fractures still present pain and discomfort for a long time after.
For the driver at fault, the couple of hours of sleep they skipped could cost them everything. They may lose their driving license. Depending on their occupation or their need to commute, they may also lose their job. Some may even face criminal charges and risk going to prison. Families often fall apart when one member goes to jail. Moreover, accident liability can affect a driver’s social life.
Even if the driver gets away, living with the thought that they took a life or injured a person is hard. If they are uninsured or their insurer refuses to pay, they may face a civil lawsuit. The court may decide they have to pay the compensation themselves. This will only add up to their own losses.
A Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Will Be By Your Side
A car accident lawyer in Virginia may not be able to make all these go away. However, they can save their clients time, money, and effort. They can take over most of the worries, provide them with answers, and assistance. They can help them recover their losses and move on with their lives. If you were involved in a car accident involving drowsy driving, you should consult a lawyer.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Virginia
At Virginia Injury Law, we have represented many drowsy driving victims. We know how to prove liability and obtain fair compensations. To benefit from our knowledge and find out what we can do for you, call 1-800-HURT-123! Schedule a FREE case review with an experienced car accident lawyer in Virginia now!
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