Drowsy Driving Accidents in Albuquerque

When you’re drowsy, it can be difficult to concentrate, make quick decisions, and stay alert and awake. Drowsiness can be caused by sleep deprivation, medication, sleep disorders, and even things like stress and anxiety. The last thing someone who is overtired or fatigued should do is get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in cities like Albuquerque across the nation. 

In fact, there are an estimated 328,000 car accidents involving drowsy drivers in the United States annually. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes 1,550 deaths and over 71,000 crash-related injuries every year.

When a person makes the conscious decision to get behind the wheel of a car in Albuquerque, NM, when they’re fatigued, they’re putting themselves and others in danger. If that drowsy driver causes an accident, they can be held legally responsible for the consequences of the crash.

What Makes Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?

Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that the nation has underestimated just how dangerous drowsy driving can be. In fact, recent studies have shown that drowsy driving is just as risky as drunk driving.

Drunk drivers and drowsy drivers often experience the same limitations behind the wheel:

• Decreased reaction time
• Vision problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slowed motor functions
• Problems with memory
• Falling asleep at the wheel

When a driver experiences any of these things, the chances of them losing control of their vehicle, driving on the wrong side of the wrong, running a red light, or failing to notice changes in traffic increase significantly. In turn, drowsy drivers are more likely to cause accidents - many of which inflict serious injury or wrongful death.

Is Drowsy Driving Common?

Yes. In fact, it’s probably way more common than you might think. Research suggests that one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. Without adequate sleep, people can become fatigued and drowsy. 

Drivers who miss out on three to four hours of required sleep at night are four times more likely to cause accidents than well-rested motorists. It’s unlikely that everyone who’s short on sleep decides against driving. In fact, one out of 25 drivers surveyed by the CDC admitted to drowsy driving.

What Compensation Can I Get If I’m Injured By a Drowsy Driver in Albuquerque, NM

A driver who decides to drive when they’re drowsy or fatigued is negligent. If they cause a car accident, they have to be held accountable for the injuries, costs, and suffering they cause. 

Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, victims of Albuquerque drowsy driving accidents might be able to recover economic damages and non-economic damages for:

• Medical bills
• Disability
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement
• Funeral expenses if a drowsy driving accident is fatal

Additionally, in cases of gross negligence or egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

Don’t get stressed out about how to get compensation after you’ve been injured by a drowsy driver in Albuquerque. Call Singleton Schreiber, and trust our Albuquerque car accident attorneys to be your fearless advocates and fight to maximize your recovery.

We offer a free consultation, so contact our Albuquerque law office to discuss the details of your drowsy driving accident case today.