After experiencing a car accident, the repercussions can be overwhelming. When a collision occurs due to another driver's fatigue or drowsiness, you deserve the opportunity to seek rightful compensation. This may encompass coverage for medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of pain and suffering.
It would be best if you didn't bear the burden of someone else's negligence. If you've suffered injuries or lost a loved one, our Orlando-based legal team specializing in drowsy driving accidents stands ready to assist. We can navigate the complexities of your case, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
Understanding Driver Fatigue
At The Ward Law Group, we understand the significant impact of driver fatigue on road safety. When negligence leads to accidents, seeking bodily injury compensation becomes imperative.
Factors Contributing to Driver Fatigue
- Insufficient Sleep: Lack of proper rest can significantly impair driving ability, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia can exacerbate fatigue and compromise alertness behind the wheel.
- Employer Pressure: Unrealistic deadlines imposed by employers can encourage drivers to push themselves beyond safe limits.
Determining Liability in Drowsy Driving Accidents
- Negligent Driver: The driver is typically liable if their drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel caused the accident.
- Employer Responsibility: Employers may bear responsibility if the driver was working during the accident, especially in cases involving commercial drivers.
Taking Action After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it's crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights.
- Check for Injuries: Ensure the well-being of all parties involved and seek medical assistance promptly.
- Notify the Police: Contact the authorities to file a report, regardless of the accident's severity.
- Document the Scene: Capture photos or videos of the accident scene to provide valuable evidence.
- Consult with an Orlando Accident Injury Lawyer: Seek guidance from experienced attorneys to understand your rights and pursue compensation for your losses.
Florida's allure lies in its stunning beaches, balmy climate, and vibrant atmosphere. However, alongside these attractions, it harbors some of the nation's most dangerous roads. Annually, thousands suffer injuries or fatalities in accidents stemming from driver fatigue, distracted driving, and various other forms of negligence.
Common injuries sustained in Florida accidents encompass:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Head trauma
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Severe burns
- Various permanent injuries
Recovering Damages with The Ward Law Group
Driver fatigue, a perilous state wherein a tired driver struggles to remain alert on the road, can lead to devastating accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Should you endure a significant injury, you have the right to seek economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Childcare
- Future medical bills
- Household services
- Physical therapy
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of future earnings due to permanent injury
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Psychological trauma
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Wrongful Death Claims
You could seek compensation for wrongful death if you lost a loved one in a car or truck accident. We offer our sincere condolences for your loss, and we understand that you and your family are likely in turmoil.
While nothing could ever take the place of your loved one, we are here to try to remove the financial burden. An Orlando wrongful death lawyer can help you recover damages so that you and your family can rebuild your lives and find closure.
Why Choose The Ward Law Group?
We highly recommend retaining legal representation to protect your best interests throughout the claims process at The Ward Law Group.
Our firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death claims, providing us with comprehensive knowledge of both the insurance and legal systems. This expertise can significantly enhance the outcome of your case. When you choose our Orlando car and truck accident attorneys, you can count on us to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation: We meticulously examine the circumstances of the accident to determine liability and causation. Every piece of evidence is crucial to building a robust case, and we leave no stone unturned.
- We strive to strengthen your claim by obtaining police reports and video footage, gathering witness statements, and obtaining expert opinions.
- Assess insurance coverage: We delve into the insurance policies of the at-fault party to ascertain their coverage limits and financial capacity to compensate you adequately for your losses.
- Evaluate damages: Our team calculates the full extent of your losses to ensure that any settlement offers from insurance companies accurately reflect the value of your claim. Your compensation is contingent upon the severity of your injuries and the resulting damages, which vary from case to case.
- Maintain transparent communication: We prioritize clear and consistent communication with you, promptly responding to your inquiries and providing regular updates on the progress of your case. Additionally, we furnish your attorney's direct contact information, allowing you to reach out with any questions or concerns between updates.
- Facilitate car repairs: We recognize the importance of reliable transportation. We assist you in arranging your vehicle's repair, alleviating additional burdens during this challenging time.
- Coordinate appointments: Understanding your stress, we schedule appointments on your behalf, ensuring you can focus on your recovery without additional logistical worries.
- Negotiate skillfully: Our seasoned attorneys negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for a fair and just settlement that adequately addresses your needs. Our extensive experience and resources enable us to fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Provide courtroom representation: Should negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, we prepare your case for trial and represent you in court, steadfastly advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you and your family deserve.
At The Ward Law Group, we go above and beyond for our clients because we understand their hardships. Our goal is to serve as your unwavering advocate, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
Complimentary Initial Consultations for Orlando Car Accidents
At The Ward Law Group, we recognize that concerns about expenses may deter you from seeking legal representation. That's why we offer prospective clients a free initial consultation with no upfront costs.
Furthermore, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't incur any fees unless we secure compensation. You owe us nothing if we cannot obtain a settlement or court award.
We firmly believe that financial circumstances shouldn't hinder access to legal assistance. We understand the financial strain you may be under, particularly if you're off work and grappling with household expenses.
Rest assured, we're here to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve, regardless of your current situation.
Act Promptly Following an Orlando Car Accident
After a car accident, particularly if you've suffered severe injuries or lost a loved one, there's much to contemplate. However, it's crucial to note that Florida law imposes time limits on filing personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), the statute of limitations for personal injury is four years, while wrongful death claims must be filed within two years per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d).
Our firm is committed to meeting these statutory deadlines to safeguard your right to pursue legal action. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can commence work on your case.
Risks Associated with Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving poses significant dangers and ranks among the leading causes of car accidents across the United States. When fatigue sets in, our reaction times slow, attention wavers, and judgment becomes impaired—akin to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Studies reveal that being awake for 18 hours equates to impairment akin to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05, while 24 hours of wakefulness resembles a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10—exceeding legal limits.
Here are some primary hazards of driving while drowsy:
- Delayed Reaction Times: Fatigue hampers reflexes, making it challenging to react promptly to road hazards. Even a slight delay in response could escalate a close call into a severe collision.
- Diminished Alertness: Fatigue diminishes alertness levels, increasing the likelihood of overlooking vital road signs, signals, or pedestrians. Such lapses endanger both the driver and others on the road.
- Impaired Judgment: Sleepiness impairs judgment regarding speed, distance, and road conditions, leading to miscalculations and risky maneuvers.
- Microsleep Episodes: The most challenging consequence is succumbing to brief episodes of microsleep, where the driver nods off for a few seconds. At highway speeds, this could translate into traveling hundreds of feet while unconscious, often culminating in catastrophic accidents.
Driving drowsy parallels driving under the influence, significantly diminishing driving capabilities. If you feel fatigued while driving, the safest action is to pull over and rest until fully alert. Operating a vehicle in a tired state imperils your life and the lives of others.
In an accident involving a drowsy driver, seeking legal counsel to protect your rights is imperative. Accident-related expenses, including medical bills and lost wages, can be financially crippling. A reputable personal injury attorney can advocate for fair compensation for your injuries.
Groups at Risk for Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving threatens all motorists, regardless of age or background. In 2018, approximately 3% of surveyed drivers admitted to dozing off at the wheel within the past 30 days, with the incidence likely higher due to underreporting.
While every driver is susceptible, specific demographics face elevated risks:
- Young Drivers: Individuals aged 16-24 are particularly vulnerable due to inexperience and irregular sleep patterns.
- Shift Workers: Those with non-standard work schedules struggle to maintain adequate sleep, heightening the risk of drowsy driving.
- Commercial Truck Drivers: Pressure to adhere to tight delivery schedules often results in insufficient rest breaks and sleep deprivation.
- Individuals with Sleep Disorders: Untreated sleep disorders impair the ability to resist sleep, exacerbating the risk of drowsy driving.
Understanding the groups most susceptible to drowsy driving allows for targeted education and practical prevention efforts to mitigate risks.
Contact a Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer in Orlando
The Ward Law Group is dedicated to aiding survivors and victims of negligent car accidents like yours in recovering compensation. Driver fatigue poses a significant hazard on the road, and holding accountable those responsible could help prevent future collisions.
Our experienced attorneys are committed to assisting accident victims and their families in obtaining the justice and compensation they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable driver fatigue car accident lawyer in Orlando. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!