Pennsylvania Drowsy Driving Accident Attorneys
Tens of Millions Won on Behalf of Clients Throughout Pennsylvania
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving claimed 795 lives in 2017. Sleepiness can result in crashes at any time of the day or night and can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. If you were injured because of a drowsy driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and related expenses.
The Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC can help you get the compensation you need to pay off medical bills, recover lost wages, and secure your future. Since 1922, we’ve obtained tens of millions of dollars for clients injured by the negligence of others. We get results because we never settle for less than what our clients need.
If you’ve been injured because of a fatigued driver, we are here to help you. If you can’t come to our offices, we’ll come to you. Contact our Pennsylvania drowsy driving accident lawyers today at (888) 498-3023 for a free consultation!
What Constitutes Drowsy Driving?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowsy driving is the act of driving a motor vehicle when you are sleepy or fatigued. Drowsy driving can be deadly for the driver and all others on the road. Tired driving results in slower reaction times, the ability to make right decisions, and the ability to pay enough attention to road conditions and traffic.
According to the CDC, the following people are most susceptible to drowsy driving:
- Drivers who have not had enough sleep
- Commercial drivers of large vehicles such as buses and trucks
- Shift workers (those who work long shifts or at night)
- Those with untreated sleep disorders
- Drivers on medications that make them sleepy
What Factors Contribute to Drowsy Driving?
Put simply, drowsy driving is when a person drives while sleepy or fatigued. Drowsy drivers are a serious hazard on the road because they have slower reactions times, poor judgement, and less focus.
Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these people are most vulnerable to drowsy driving:
- Drivers who haven’t had enough sleep
- Commercial drivers of large vehicles such as buses and trucks
- Shift workers (those who work long shifts or at night)
- Those with untreated sleeping disorders
- Drivers on medications that make them sleepy
If you experience any warning signs of drowsy driving, such as blurry vision, frequent blinking, or nodding off for a few seconds at a time, pull over immediately. Turning up the radio, drinking coffee, or rolling down the window is not enough to prevent you from endangering yourself or others. The only cure for drowsy driving is simply getting more sleep.
How Common Is Drowsy Driving?
According to the NHTSA, drowsy driving caused 4,121 fatal crashes between 2011 and 2015. Nationally, there were about 90,000 accidents caused by drowsy driving in 2015. In Pennsylvania, drowsy driving caused 2,591 accidents in 2017 alone. These numbers are frustrating because drowsy driving is one of the most preventable causes of accident on the road. It only takes a driver to take responsibility for their alertness to save lives and prevent injuries to others possibly.
Know the Signs of Drowsy Driving
The NHTSA has announced plans to crack down on drowsy driving. Education is one of the key elements to stop drowsy driving in the United States. Along with other initiatives, the NHTSA will focus on educating drivers on the dangers of fatigued driving. You can reduce your risk of driving while drowsy by learning the warning signs of drowsy driving and taking precautions to prevent yourself from driving while tired.
Signs of drowsy driving include:
- Missing your turn or your exit
- Driving into the other lane
- Hitting the rumble strip or running onto the shoulder of the road
- Inability to remember the last few minutes or miles
- Blinking frequently or yawning frequently
- Blurry vision
If you experience any warning signs of drowsy driving, pull over immediately. Turning up the radio, drinking coffee or soda, or rolling down the window will not help you remain alert and focused. You can prevent drowsy driving by getting plenty of sleep before driving. If you are not confident that you’ve received enough rest before a long drive, take every step possible to obtain additional rest—falling asleep at the wheel is never worth leaving on time.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that can make you drowsy. If you suspect a sleep disorder that prevents you from getting the required amount of sleep each night, see a physician as soon as possible. For more information about preventing accidents from drowsy driving, you can review the information provided by the NHTSA and the National Sleep Foundation.
Call Our Pennsylvania Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyers at (888) 498-3023!
If you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving car accident, seek legal advice from an attorney as soon as possible. This ensures that your claim is filed within the two-year statute of limitations and gives your attorneys time to gather evidence. It also ensures that you have legal counsel from the first moment you speak with your insurer or the other driver’s insurer.
The Pennsylvania drowsy driving accident lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC have helped thousands of clients throughout the cities of Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York, Pennsylvania. Since 1922, we have been dedicated to helping the people of Pennsylvania who get injured because of another person’s negligence, and we have recovered tens of millions of dollars on their behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact our firm today. If you don’t win, you don’t pay!
Contact our Pennsylvania drowsy driving accident attorneys today for a free consultation at (888) 498-3023!
