Because of the way sleep deprivation affects the brain and the body, driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while drunk. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop people across the country from getting behind the wheel when they should be getting into bed. If you were struck by a motorist who fell asleep in traffic, you probably have grounds for legal action. While suing for damages won’t erase what happened or even restore your health, it could yield the money needed to pick up the pieces in the aftermath.
Before you can recover a payout, though, you’re going to have to find a way to prove that the motorist fell asleep in traffic. Let’s take a look at the kinds of evidence that car accident victims most often use to do just that:
1. Black Box Data
Most vehicles nowadays are equipped with event data recorders, or what are more often called “black boxes.” These electronic devices begin recording dozens of variables once the vehicle’s starter is engaged.
Black box data can contribute to a drowsy driving claim when it shows the motorist failed to take any steps at all to prevent the collision. An alert driver will either swerve or slam on the brakes once they realize a wreck is imminent. A motorist who nodded off, on the other hand, won’t do either.
2. Eyewitness Testimony
If the crash occurred in a relatively busy area, other motorists or their passengers may have noticed the driver nodding off. They may have also witnessed erratic driving just before the accident, which can certainly bolster your claim that the party who struck you wasn’t fit to be operating a vehicle at the time.
3. The Police Report
After responding to an accident, officers must draft a formal report. In this report, they will include any confessions they obtained at the scene. That means if the motorist who hit you admitted to being drowsy, this document could prove incredibly valuable during the claims process.
Speak with a Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If you were struck by a drowsy driver while minding your own business, you deserve justice. For help building your personal injury claim, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks.
Attorney Waks is proud to help accident victims recover what is rightfully theirs, so they can rebuild their lives. To schedule a free case review with a car accident attorney in Long Beach, call (562) 206-1939 or fill out our Online Contact Form.
Download Our Car Accident Emergency Response .PDF
Unfortunately, even if you’re diligent about remaining alert behind the wheel, you can’t trust everyone else to be, as well. As such, it’s wise to prepare for the worst, and that means keeping our Car Accident Emergency Response .pdf in your vehicle at all times. This document includes step-by-step instructions for recording the scene of an accident, so you can put together a strong personal injury claim that’s supported by lots of evidence. Download it HERE for free.