Car Accidents Caused by Sleep Deprivation

Research consistently demonstrates that sleep-deprived drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents compared to well-rested drivers. According to New York law, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly at all times. Drivers who fail to uphold this duty by driving while they are fatigued and subsequently cause accidents should be held liable for any damages that result from their negligence. If you were injured in an accident caused by a tired driver, it is advisable to consult with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your potential claims. The seasoned Syracuse personal injury lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate the details of your accident and help you build a compelling case to demonstrate the responsible party should be held accountable for your injuries. We regularly represent people in lawsuits arising out of car accidents caused by sleep deprivation in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York.

Driving while sleep-deprived poses significant risks to both the driver and others on the road. Lack of sleep impairs cognitive functions, slows reaction times, and diminishes the ability to make quick decisions, all of which are crucial for safe driving. Additionally, sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to experience microsleeps, brief episodes of sleep that can last a few seconds, during which they are completely unaware of their surroundings. These lapses can lead to catastrophic accidents, especially at high speeds or in complex driving conditions.

Additionally, driving while fatigued can result in poor judgment, increasing the likelihood of missing traffic signals and drifting into other lanes or off the road. The consequences of such impairments are severe, often resulting in accidents that cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Most injured parties who seek compensation in a car accident lawsuit will argue that the defendant should be held accountable under a theory of negligence.

In New York, to establish negligence, the plaintiff must show that the defendant driver owed them a duty of care. Generally, the duty owed is to act with reasonable care under the given circumstances. The plaintiff then has to prove that the defendant breached the duty by driving while sleep deprived, and that their breach directly caused the accident. Finally, they have to show that they sustained actual losses due to the accident.

A defendant in a car accident case will often attempt to avoid liability by arguing that something other than their negligence caused the accident. Even if other forces combined with the driver’s carelessness in causing the accident, the plaintiff may still be able to recover damages if they can show that the accident would not have happened if the driver did not breach the duty owed by driving while sleep-deprived.

A variety of damages are recoverable in car accident cases. The plaintiff may be awarded compensation for the cost of any medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, and the cost of any treatment they may need in the future. If they were forced to take time off from work after the accident, you may be able to recover damages for any wages lost. Additionally, they may be awarded damages for the pain, mental and emotional anguish, and suffering they endured.

Meet with a Capable Personal Injury Attorney in Syracuse, Rochester, or Upstate New York

Anyone operating a vehicle on a New York road has a responsibility to do so safely, which, among other things, means that they should refrain from driving if they are sleep-deprived, as doing so can lead to catastrophic accidents. If you suffered harm in a collision caused by a fatigued driver, it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your possible claims. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our capable Syracuse personal injury attorneys have ample experience proving negligent drivers should be held responsible for the harm they cause, and if we represent you, we will fight zealously for the results you deserve. We regularly represent in car accident lawsuits in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To set up a confidential and free conference, you can reach us through our online form or by calling us at 833-200-2000.