Fatigued Driving Accident Attorney in South Carolina
Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be exhausting. Anyone who has driven for long hours and started to feel the lull of the car and the boredom of a long stretch of highway has felt the pull of fatigued driving. You know that moment when you veer and catch yourself just in time before swerving into another traffic lane. That’s usually your indicator that it’s time to take a break. Pull over, take a nap, stretch your legs, maybe grab a cup of coffee – but whatever you do, you know you shouldn’t continue driving.
At least, that’s the responsible thing to do. Unfortunately, not everyone on the road makes the responsible decision, which can result in tragic drowsy driving crashes. If you’ve been the victim of a fatigued driving accident, call Stewart Law Offices today. We are a dedicated sleeping driver injury law firm, and we are ready to help victims in South Carolina seek the compensation they deserve.
How a South Carolina Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a driver sleeping while driving, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, the legal process can often be daunting.
A fatigued driving accident attorney can help you by:
- Conducting the Investigation: We can conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to prove fault, such as driver logs for drowsy truck drivers, witness statements, and medical records, to help build a strong case for your compensation.
- Determining Liability: A crucial part of any lawsuit is identifying all liable parties. In the case of commercial drivers, this can include the driver’s employer.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Oftentimes, a lawyer can successfully negotiate with the insurance companies to reach a fair settlement and get you the compensation you need to recover.
- Taking the Case to Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached in negotiations, a lawyer will represent you in court for a verdict from a judge or jury.
At Stewart Law Offices, we offer 24/7 support, including home and hospital visits if you can’t come to us. We prioritize providing you with the time and attention you deserve during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with an experienced drowsy driving accident attorney.
What Causes Fatigued Driving?
Fatigued driving doesn’t always mean a driver is sleeping while driving. There are a variety of causes of driver fatigue, including:
- Lack of sleep
- Long and late work shifts
- Working irregular hours
- Long drive times
- Demanding schedules
- Untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
- Sleep deprivation
- Prescription medications
- Alcohol consumption
Whatever the reason, it’s the responsibility of every driver to determine if they can safely operate a vehicle before they get behind the wheel. They should also continuously monitor themselves throughout the commute. If you’ve been the victim of someone else’s poor decision, don’t wait. Hire a fatigued accident driver attorney today and fight to protect your rights.
Is Driving Tired More Dangerous Than Driving Drunk?
Drowsy driving can be similar to drunk driving. According to the National Sleep Foundation, being awake for eighteen hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent. 24 hours equates to a BAC of 0.10 percent, which exceeds the legal limit. Furthermore, both impair judgment and overall driving ability, making them similar risks.
Dangers of Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving severely impacts a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle. The dangers of these impacts include:
- Delayed reaction time
- Decreased attention
- Drifting between lanes
- Inability to process information
- High risk of microsleeps
- Falling asleep at the wheel
These dangerous behaviors can cause severe accidents and devastating injuries. What’s worse, they can easily be avoided if drivers make the responsible decision not to drive while not in proper condition.
How to Establish a Drowsy Driving Accident Claim in South Carolina
If you’ve been the victim of someone else falling asleep while driving and causing an accident, it’s vital to know the steps of establishing a personal injury claim so that you can get the process started as soon as possible. You should:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Make sure you’re taken care of physically. Just as crucial to the claim is making sure the medical records are documented, which will help your lawyer make a connection between the accident and your injuries and medical expenses. Your medical records can also help predict your future medical expenses. Your lawyer can include these figures in your demand for fair compensation.
- Document the Scene: Before you leave the scene, it’s a good idea to take pictures of the accident, gather any witness statements, and request a copy of the police report. If you are too injured to do so, let your lawyer know so they can handle it for you.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced car accident attorney will guide you through the legal process and do the heavy lifting for you so you can focus on recovering.
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations allows an injured person three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the drowsy driver who injured them. It’s essential to know that most laws have exceptions to them, so you want to get your lawsuit started as soon as possible so you don’t lose your chance to fight for your compensation.
Contact Our Drowsy Driving Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Stewart Law Offices, we understand the tragic impact fatigued driving can have on your life. These serious accidents often cause catastrophic injuries and lasting physical and emotional scars. If a fatigued driver has injured you, contact our legal team right away. We are here to help you.
Our case results speak for themselves and include*:
- $9.8 million in a drunk-driving car accident
- $3.8 million in a wrongful death case
- $3.5 million in a tractor-trailer accident
- $3.0 million in a semi-truck wreck
We take a client-focused approach, providing you with continuous support. We can meet at our offices or we can come to you wherever you’re at. We won’t charge any attorney fees unless we win your case.** Don’t wait to seek the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.