Drowsy Driving Accidents in Texas
Drowsy driving in Texas causes thousands of accidents each year. Even if these drivers do not actually fall fully asleep, drowsiness can mimic the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol. A drowsy driver cannot maintain full attention on the road nor react quickly to changing situations. Even when they are able to react, they may make a bad decision. All of these things, of course, can lead to serious accidents. When this happens, you need an experienced Houston auto accident attorney to defend your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation.
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
Drivers may be sleepy for a range of reasons. The most obvious reason is that they are not getting enough sleep. So many people burn the candle at both ends and deprive themselves of the rest they need. That can translate to trouble on the road. Additional causes of drowsiness behind the wheel include some medications, shift work that impacts a person’s sleep cycle, sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and, of course, alcohol.
Accidents and Injuries That Can Result From Drowsy Driving in Texas
The full range of car accidents—T-bone crashes, rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, rollover accidents, etc.— can be caused by a drowsy driving in Texas or a driver who has fallen asleep behind the wheel. Often, these drivers are not alert enough to brake or swerve before impact—meaning that the collisions often occur while the drowsy driver’s car is traveling at high speed. These high-impact crashes can lead to serious— even catastrophic—injuries of all kinds. These sorts of crashes can also, of course, be fatal.
If You Have Been Injured in a Crash, You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
One of the most important reasons you need to hire experienced Houston accident attorneys quickly following a drowsy driving car crash is that they will investigate the cause of the crash itself. While drowsiness cannot be measured like blood alcohol levels, there are a number of signs that demonstrate the likelihood that a driver was sleepy (or sleeping) behind the wheel. As we have noted, drowsy drivers tend not to take any sort of evasive or preventative action prior to a crash. They are also more likely to be alone in their car (which means they have no one to help them stay alert as they drive).
Your Houston accident attorneys will be able to make a determination regarding the other driver’s drowsiness during the discovery phase of your case. And it is essential to have this piece of information because it demonstrates negligence on the part of the other driver, making it more likely that you will receive a fair and substantial settlement.
Detailing the Damages
When you are hurt in an accident involving a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to damages to cover:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses related to your injuries and their aftermath
- Current and ongoing lost wages or benefits as a result of an inability to return to work
- Expenses related to property damage (including damage to your vehicle in the crash)
- Pain and suffering
In the event that a family member is killed by a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to collect damages to compensate you for the wrongful death of a loved one.
Our Houston Accident Attorneys Are Always Alert When it Comes to Serving Our Clients
Our Houston accident attorneys are ready and able to help you collect a fair settlement after a car crash caused by a drowsy driver. We have the expertise necessary to fully investigate the accident (including determining whether the other driver was operating their vehicle while overly tired), negotiate with the insurance company, and argue your case in court if necessary. And because we work on a contingency basis, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Pasadena, Texas Auto Accident Attorneys
At SJ Injury Attorneys, our Texas auto accident attorney team provides aggressive and effective representation. If you’ve been harmed due to the negligent actions of another driver, or have suffered a work or refinery personal injury, you can have peace of mind knowing you are legally entitled to compensation for your medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering. We proudly serve clients throughout Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding areas.
Contact our office online or give us a call at (936) 297-7972 to discuss your options today!
