Driving along Interstate 55 or Interstate 20 on any given day is likely to reveal one or more drivers weaving in and out of traffic. They may not be impaired from alcohol or drugs, but instead a lack of sleep. Drowsy driving car crashes in Jackson can mean life-threatening injuries to victims, and it is not uncommon for victims to struggle to prove that the other driver was tired. Our knowledgable Jackson auto accident attorney at Hearn Law Firm is here to help after an injury.
Drowsy Driving Can Be Serious
Data from the Sleep Foundation indicates that drowsy driving is much like what happens when a person is under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel. Most people suffer severe cognitive and physical impairments. Some reports from the organization indicate that half of all Americans admit to driving while drowsy, and about one in 25 say they have fallen asleep behind the wheel.
A person is unable to react quickly enough to changing road conditions when they are tired, and sometimes that can pose a serious risk of injury if they fail to yield the right of way or stop at an intersection.
Signs of Drowsy Driving
It can be hard to prove a driver was fatigued behind the wheel. The jolt of an accident can instantly make it seem like they were not tired at all. Some examples of signs that may warn of fatigue include:
- A driver rubbing their eyes or yawning over and over again
- Having heavy eyelids or constantly blinking
- Drifting out of one lane into another
- Hitting the rumble strips on the sides of the roadway
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Driving too close to the car in front of them
If you see a driver engaging in these actions, avoid them. If it poses a serious risk to safety, contact the police to report the driver’s actions.
What to Do After an Accident with a Sleepy Driver
If you are in a drowsy driving car crash in Jackson, take action immediately to protect yourself. Move out of the way of further injury and call 911. Start documenting everything that you see and experience by videoing the scene. This is also a good time to gather information from the other driver that may shed light on the cause of their distraction or fatigue.
For example, the driver may say they were just getting off a long shift, or that they do not remember seeing the car. Any information they share can help prove they were drowsy behind the wheel.
If you are not sure that they were fatigued, let the police investigate and determine if they were. Provide information about what you personally saw and experienced at the time of the accident and just before. Always be honest and transparent about the experience. It might be worth seeking assistance from an experienced Jackson personal injury lawyer in the aftermath of the wreck.
Seek the Help of a Jackson Car Accident Lawyer
Drowsy driving car crashes in Jackson can result in serious injuries and the loss of life. Proving what happened is not always easy. However, it may be critical in holding those at fault accountable. For that reason, do not hesitate to contact a Jackson car accident lawyer from Hearn Law Firm who will investigate the case. Your attorney will gather witness statements, bring in accident reconstruction experts, and use their legal expertise to protect your rights. Call us today for a free consultation.