Austin Drowsy Driving Accident Attorney

Every day, many drivers in Texas get behind the wheel while dangerously drowsy or fatigued, endangering the lives of others. If you are injured in a car accident involving a drowsy driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation from his or her car insurance policy. However, you may need help from an experienced Austin car accident lawyer to prove your case and achieve a fair outcome.

The Dangers of Drowsy and Fatigued Driving

Operating a motor vehicle requires a driver’s full concentration, focus and attention. When a driver is drowsy, he or she cannot meet this expectation. Drowsiness has been compared to drunk driving in terms of its effects on a driver’s ability to handle and control a motor vehicle.

Sleep deprivation can lead to a wandering mind, delayed reflexes, slower reaction times, and physical effects such as blurred vision and muscle weakness. All of these issues can impair a motorist’s ability to drive.

Signs of Drowsy Driving

An individual may drive tired due to a lack of adequate sleep, a medical condition such as sleep apnea, a reversed sleeping schedule, long overnight drives and pressure from work. These factors can result in driver drowsiness or fatigue that increases the risk of an accident. The signs of a drowsy driver can include drifting in and out of lanes, abruptly braking or accelerating, missing road signs and traffic signals, and following others too closely.

Who Pays for a Drowsy Driving Accident in Texas?

If you notice signs of drowsy driving, keep a safe distance from the motorist. Report the driver to the police if he or she is driving dangerously or recklessly. If you are hit by a driver who was exhibiting signs of drowsiness prior to the crash, report the accident to the police and tell your side of the story. After getting medical care for your injuries, contact the drowsy driver’s car insurance company to file a claim.

In Texas, the insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible, or liable, for paying for the crash. To recover financial compensation from the other driver, you or your car accident attorney must prove fault. A lawyer can help you prove drowsy driving using evidence such as crash scene documentation, videos and photographs, eyewitness statements, and accident reconstruction.

What Types of Compensation Are Available in a Drowsy Driving Accident Case?

All drivers in Texas are required to carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $25,000 in property damage insurance. These are the minimum amounts that should be available to you from a drowsy driver’s car insurance company. Accessing this insurance can reimburse you for damages such as your medical expenses, property damage repairs and lost income.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Texas Drowsy Driving Accident

Proving drowsy driving during a car accident case in Texas is easier with an attorney by your side. A law firm will have resources such as car accident experts and crash reconstructionists to help you establish fault for the collision. You can rest and focus on healing from your injuries while a lawyer handles the claims process for you.

To discuss a recent drowsy driving accident with a personal injury lawyer in Austin at no cost or obligation, contact FVF Law Firm at (512) 640-2146 for a free initial consultation. Our lawyers have over 100 years of experience.