How Does Drowsy Driving Cause Dangerous Crashes in IL?

 Posted on September 09, 2024 in Car Accident

Most people know that distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are dangerous, often leading to car accidents. Each of those behaviors poses specific risks, and most people try to avoid them. But did you know that drowsiness and fatigue can also cause collisions that produce injuries and fatalities?

If you were injured in a collision with a drowsy driver, you may be able to get a settlement through a personal injury claim. Working with a local attorney from Newland & Newland, LLP can give you a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome.

Why Is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?

Fatigue can cause impairments that are similar to being intoxicated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• The impairments of being awake for 17 hours mimic a 0.05 percent blood alcohol concentration.

• At 24 hours of being awake, the similar BAC is 0.10 percent.

In Illinois, you are considered intoxicated with a BAC of 0.08 percent. Like drinking alcohol, fatigue typically makes driving unsafe. Fatigue can cause blurred vision, an inability to concentrate, impaired judgment, reduced motor coordination, and even falling asleep while driving. In turn, these impairments often lead to unsafe driving behaviors, such as:

• Drifting across lanes or off the road

• Sloppy steering

• Speeding up or slowing down unexpectedly

• Last-second adjustments for missed turns

• Going in the wrong direction on a one-way street

• Delayed reactions

Fatigued driving can cause collisions, and other motorists may have accidents trying to avoid the drowsy driver’s erratic behaviors. Many people do not understand the dangers of driving while fatigued, but it is still negligent behavior.

What Kinds of Injuries Can Fatigued Driving Cause?

Like with most car crashes, those caused by fatigued driving can produce severe injuries, such as:

• Whiplash

• Broken bones

• Internal bleeding

• Burns

• Cuts and bruises

• Brain and spinal cord injuries

• Amputations

Some drowsy driving crashes are fatal. Although truck drivers may be more likely to drive while fatigued, night-shift workers, people with 12-hour work shifts, parents of new babies, and college students often do as well.

Can You Get a Settlement Because a Drowsy Driver Injured You?

Drowsy driving is negligent, so it can be grounds for a personal injury claim. You will need evidence to prove that the driver who hit you was impaired due to drowsiness, and it can be challenging to get that evidence. Newland & Newland, LLP has the resources and legal knowledge to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, including finding the evidence you need to establish liability.

In Illinois, you are eligible to seek a settlement as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault for causing your accident. If you qualify, your settlement may cover damages like:

• Lost wages

• Medical expenses

• Property damage

• Replacement services

• Disfigurement

• Disability

• Pain and suffering

Your lawyer from Newland & Newland, LLP will evaluate your losses and help you obtain the highest possible amount of compensation.

Request Your Free Consultation With One of Our Determined Arlington Heights, IL Car Accident Lawyers Today

The sooner you contact Newland & Newland, LLP, the faster we can get to work building your case. Take advantage of our successful track record and decades of combined experience that we will use to protect your best interests. Call us at 847-797-8000 now to speak with one of our effective Palatine, IL personal injury attorneys.