Philadelphia Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer

Fatigued driving is a preventable cause of accidents. It is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol, as fatigue slows reaction times, impairs decision-making, and reduces overall cognitive function.

Fatigued Driving Statistics and its Causes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. In 2017, drowsy drivers were involved in 91,000 police-reported collisions. As a result, approximately 50,000 people were injured and close to 800 were killed. Common causes of fatigued driving accidents include:

• Lack of Sleep: Sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to lose focus, react slowly, or even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Long Work Hours: Shift workers, medical professionals, and commercial drivers often work irregular hours, increasing their risk of drowsy driving.
• Commercial Trucking: Long-haul truck drivers may violate federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations by failing to take required breaks, leading to dangerous fatigue.
• Medical Conditions & Medications: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea or sedating medications can impair a driver’s ability to remain alert.

When a fatigued driver causes an accident, the consequences can be devastating. Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that being awake for 18 hours straight impairs driving performance as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, while 24 hours without sleep is equivalent to a BAC of 0.10%—above the legal limit in most states.

Liability for Fatigued Driver Accidents

Liability for fatigued driver accidents is typically based on negligence, meaning the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care on the road and is therefore responsible for any resulting damages. Employers may also share liability if they pressure drivers to work beyond legal limits, fail to enforce rest requirements, or simply through vicarious liability laws. These laws allow victims to hold employers vicariously responsible for the actions of their employees while they are on duty.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After an Accident Caused by a Fatigued Driver?

A skilled Philadelphia Fatigued Driver Accident Attorney can strengthen your case by:

• Gathering Evidence: Collecting police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
• Analyzing Driver Records: Reviewing work logs, GPS data, and phone records to prove fatigue.
• Using Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction specialists can demonstrate how drowsiness caused the crash.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Fighting against unfair denials and securing maximum compensation.
• Taking Legal Action: Filing a lawsuit if necessary to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Fatigued driver accident claims can be difficult to prove since there is no direct test for drowsiness, and drivers rarely admit to being tired. Unlike DUI cases, fatigue-related crashes often lack witnesses and clear evidence, making it easier for insurance companies to deny claims. In commercial cases, trucking companies may manipulate driver logs or argue against fatigue as a factor. Hiring experienced legal representation for your fatigued driving accident, will significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Philadelphia Fatigued Driver Accident Attorneys Today

If you were injured by a fatigued driver, our Philadelphia Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer is ready to help. Call (215) 774-5509 or message us online to arrange a free consultation today.