In today’s busy world, it’s not uncommon to feel tired when driving home from a busy work day, heading to class early in the morning, or navigating long hours behind the wheel of a commercial truck. If a fatigued driver caused a drowsy driving car accident in Austin, and you or a loved one experienced injuries, it’s important to contact an Austin vehicle accident lawyer to explain your rights under the state’s comparative negligence insurance system.
Unfortunately, sometimes the tiredness escalates into drowsiness, and the fatigued driver may fail to realize that they’ve become a danger to themselves and others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 693 confirmed drowsy driving accidents occurred in a single recent year—a number that’s almost certainly underreported.
Understanding the Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Many drivers underestimate the risks of continuing to drive when they begin feeling drowsy, but it only takes a single vulnerable moment behind the wheel to cause life-altering impacts, often to others on the road. Many studies compare drowsy driving to drunk driving, with notable similarities in reduced reaction time, more difficult decision-making, lowered hand-eye coordination, reduced alertness, and inability to stay within the proper lane.
Experts agree that drowsy driving is responsible for more car accidents per year than drunk driving with an estimated cost of over $12.5 billion per year.
What Are the Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving In Texas?
It’s common to have moments of tiredness while behind the wheel, but it’s critical for all drivers to recognize the signs of drowsiness in themselves and other motorists. Common warning signs of dangerous drowsiness that could result in a fatigued driving accident in Austin or elsewhere include the following:
- Frequent yawning
- Tired or watering eyes/ frequent eye rubbing
- Blurred vision
- Inability to recall the last few miles driven
- Slow reaction time
- Wandering or nonsensical thoughts
- Head nodding/dozing
Being alert to the dangers of another driver’s drowsiness means watching for warning signs such as a driver who repeatedly strays out of their lane and then jerks back into it, inconsistent speed like slowing and sudden acceleration, and frequent random braking.
It’s critical to remove yourself from a dangerous situation if you or someone else on the road shows signs of drowsy driving.
Liability for Drowsy Driving Accidents In Austin
Texas is a fault-based insurance state under a modified comparative negligence system. This type of car accident law requires injury victims to file claims against the insurance company of the driver responsible for an accident. When a drowsy driver causes a car accident, they breach their legal duty of care to take all reasonable actions to avoid causing injury. If the injury victim suffers economic and non-economic damages like medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, they are entitled to compensation; however, first, they have the responsibility to present compelling evidence of the at-fault driver’s liability.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer In Austin Help My Case?
Car accident victims in Austin shouldn’t have to take on a complex legal challenge at the same time that they are dealing with the aftermath of an accident—especially if they or a loved one suffered serious injuries or wrongful death. Instead, call the experienced Austin wrongful death lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP to navigate your compensation claim while you focus on physical and emotional healing.