If your accident was caused by someone falling asleep at the wheel, call a Richmond car accident attorney at Virginia Injury Law today.
According to NHTSA, drowsy driving is responsible for about 10% of fatal vehicle-related accidents not only in Richmond, VA but across the country. This report is supported by another one from the CDC. The report shows that 4% of drivers admit to having dozed off while driving at least once in 30 days. Truly; this is a worrying finding, considering the effects of drowsy driving:
- Slows a driver’s reaction time
- Makes a driver not to pay full attention to the road
- Affects a driver’s ability to make a decision
Drivers who fall asleep while driving often lose control of their vehicles and end up hitting other cars, drive off the road, or hit obstacles on the road. Vehicle accidents related to drowsy driving in Richmond, Virginia are frequent on 1-64 and 1-95.
A victim of drowsy driving often end-up seeking the services of a car accident attorney. Virginia law allows accident victims to recover losses. Although this is beneficial to victims, the process is challenging and very long, especially when it comes to accidents related to drowsiness. In other words, providing evidence of a fault in such a case is not easy.
This is one of the primary reasons you need a professional, experienced, and skilled lawyer in Richmond. A lawyer will help conduct investigations and collect evidence to support your claim. The first thing a lawyer will do is look for symptoms of sleep disorder and trace substance use (either legal or illegal). An attorney will investigate a driver’s work and home schedules with the aim of finding if a driver had enough sleep. Remember, providing proof showing a driver had very little or no sleep will help.
The Consequences of Drowsy Driving and the Importance of Working With a Car Accident Lawyer
It has been proven that drowsy-related accidents are severe and often life-threatening. In fact, these types of accidents can easily result in a lifetime of severe injuries or even death. For this reason, the recovery process takes time, money, and a lot of effort. Vehicle accident lawyers in Richmond, VA are skilled in helping their clients file and obtain compensation. They save time for the victims allowing them to focus on recovery by taking over the formalities. Lawyers are known to expedite the process through negotiations for fast settlements.
Monetary compensation is awarded based on the circumstances of the accident, and it may cover the following:
- Lost income
- Rehabilitation costs
- Treatment costs
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Emotional and physical torment
- Disability adjustments
- Loss of enjoyment from life
- Emotional losses like the loss of a partner or child
The above is proof of the seriousness of drowsy driving and the impact it has on a victim’s life after the accident. The accident can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damages and may lead to severe injuries and lifelong disabilities. It does also affect the lives of those close to the victim and anyone involved. Therefore, to victims, the only way to decrease the impact of the accident and ensure you have received the compensation you deserve.
It is not easy for a car accident victim to spend weeks or months in the hospital or recovering. That is because the recovery process involves frustration, pain, financial losses, and stress (both physically and emotionally). Some victims’ lives may change forever, and others may develop symptoms of PTSD, like being afraid of driving again or experiencing nightmares.
On the other hand, it could be very costly for the at-fault driver, just because of a few seconds of sleep while driving. The driver may end up losing their driver’s license, and depending on their commute needs, they may end up losing their job. Others may end up facing criminal charges and risk jail sentencing. Furthermore, accident accountability can affect the at-fault driver’s social life. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or the insurer refuses to pay, they may face civil litigation.
Why Hire a Richmond Car Accident Attorney?
Although they may not be able to help you deal with the physical recovery process, a Richmond car accident attorney will always be at your side through the whole process. They will save you time, effort, and money, giving you time to recover in peace. They will handle everything needed to complete your claim. Do not forget that they will answer any question you may have and give you the best legal options for your case. Get in touch with a professional immediately after a car accident.
All you have to do is schedule a free consultation session with our experienced car accident lawyer in Richmond, Virginia.
The team at Virginia Injury Law has represented many victims of drowsy driving-related accidents. We know the process involved to prove and support your claim, and can help you get fair monetary compensation. To learn more about what we can do for you, call 1-800-HURT-123 and schedule your free consultation.
Let's get started with your free consultation!