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Were you injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver in Portland, Bangor, or elsewhere in Maine? At Mann Law, our experienced car accident lawyers know how devastating these types of collisions can be, and we’ll be ready to help you seek fair compensation from the at fault driver.
Unfortunately, many people choose to get behind the wheel on Maine roads without getting adequate rest. When this happens, they are putting themselves and others on the road at risk.
Drowsy driving can:
● Cause poor reaction time
● Reduce the driver’s ability to pay attention to the road
● Increase the chances of a motor crash
● Cause the driver to behave recklessly
● Cause severe injury and even death
Some people find it surprising that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk and drugged driving. The longer a driver is awake, the higher their chances of causing a severe accident due to their negligence or recklessness. These accidents may be devastating, causing severe injury and even death.
According to the Sleep Foundation, drivers who have spent 18 hours awake experience reduced motor skills at the same level as a driver with a blood alcohol content level of 0.05%. At 20 hours, this increases to 0.08% or the legal limit. When a driver hasn’t slept in 24 hours, they demonstrate the same sloppiness as a drunk driver with a 0.1% BAC.
If you’ve been injured in a crash with a drowsy driver, contact a Maine drowsy driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Drowsy driving is negligent driving, and you should not have to pay out of pocket for someone else’s failure to exercise adequate care and caution.
Drowsy driving is the direct result of operating a vehicle while sleep-deprived, but several circumstances may contribute to that sleep deprivation and a drowsy driving incident. Some causes of drowsy driving are:
● Overwork or travel-related sleep deprivation
● Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy
● Alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drug use
A fatigued driver will often have slower reaction times, have impaired judgment, and could even fall asleep behind the wheel.
Common types of injuries sustained in drowsy driving car collisions include:
● Whiplash
● Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
● Back injuries
● Chest injuries
● Spinal cord injuries
● Broken bones
● Fractures
● Arm and leg injuries
● Scrapes and cuts
● Soft tissue injuries
● Internal bleeding
Getting behind the wheel without adequate rest could result in a serious injury or fatal accident. Victims who survive the crash could be forced to deal with costly medical bills, expensive vehicle repairs or replacement, lost wages, and other losses.
Fortunately, Maine law allows those who’ve been hurt in collisions with negligent drivers to seek compensation for their injuries, financial losses, pain and suffering, and more.
Some examples of compensation you could be entitled to include:
● Cost of hospitalization, surgery, and treatment
● Physical therapy and rehabilitation
● Doctor’s appointments
● Prescription medication
● At-home nursing or caretaking
● Medical transportation
Financial recovery for non-medical expenses can include:
Lost wages. This type of compensation covers earnings lost while the injured party recovers from a drowsy driving accident.
Lost earning capacity. Lost earning capacity accounts for future lost income due to severe injury or permanent disability.
Pain and suffering. Compensation for the pain and suffering experienced by the victim and the victim’s family after a drowsy driving accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life. Victims may be paid compensation for the reduction in their quality of life following a drowsy driving wreck. For example, if a victim lost the ability to participate in recreational actives they previously enjoyed, they might be compensated for it.
Property damage. Property damage covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other property damaged by a drowsy driving collision.
If you or a loved one were injured in a drowsy driving accident, call the experienced Maine car accident lawyers at Mann Law as soon as possible.
The experience and relationships of Mann Law are invaluable. While you work on your health, we take care of everything else to win your case. We are a statewide firm with satellite offices throughout Maine for easy accessibility. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can advocate for you.
