Detroit Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyers

Drowsy Driver Accident Injury Claims In Michigan

Driver fatigue is a serious issue on Michigan roads, often leading to devastating collisions. When drivers are overtired, their reaction times slow, their ability to focus diminishes, and the likelihood of causing an accident skyrockets. These motor vehicle accidents can leave victims with life-threatening injuries, mounting medical bills, and significant emotional distress.

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., our drowsy driver accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents have on Michigan families. With over 180 years of combined experience, we’ve represented thousands of clients, helping them secure the compensation their cases deserve.

Fatigue-related accidents can happen in various scenarios, from commercial truck drivers pushing through long shifts to everyday commuters struggling to stay awake on the road. Michigan law provides protections for accident victims, holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.

Our legal professionals are committed to using every resource at our disposal to ensure you receive maximum compensation. Insurance companies know we mean business because our goal is to get you more than any other lawyer could. With a focus on personal injury cases, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you understand your options. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Drowsy Driving Is Comparable To Drunk Driving

Operating a vehicle while drowsy poses a substantial risk to road safety, with impairment levels comparable to those of alcohol intoxication. Studies indicate that being awake for 20 consecutive hours impairs driving abilities to a degree equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, the legal limit in Michigan and many other states.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drowsy driving was responsible for approximately 91,000 police-reported crashes, resulting in an estimated 50,000 injuries and nearly 800 deaths in 2017.

However, the true impact of drowsy driving may be significantly underreported due to challenges in detection and reporting. The Sleep Foundation suggests that drowsiness may be a factor in up to 21% of fatal crashes, indicating a more severe issue than official statistics reveal.

In comparison, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 29% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States in 2017, totaling 10,874 fatalities.

Given the comparable dangers, it’s important that drivers understand the risks associated with drowsy driving. Moreover, drivers must take proactive measures to make sure that they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel. Public awareness and education are crucial in addressing this pervasive issue and enhancing road safety for all.

What Causes Driver Fatigue Accidents?

Driver fatigue accidents occur when motorists operate vehicles while physically or mentally exhausted. Some common causes of fatigue-related accidents include:

Extended Work Hours – Truck drivers, healthcare workers, and other professionals who work long shifts are at high risk of driving fatigued.
Sleep Disorders – Medical conditions such as sleep apnea or insomnia prevent drivers from getting the rest they need to stay alert while driving.
Substance Use – Certain medications or alcohol can exacerbate fatigue and impair driving ability.
Monotonous Driving Conditions – Long stretches of highway can lead to highway hypnosis and drowsiness, especially at night.
Poor Sleep Habits – Some drivers fail to prioritize adequate rest, increasing the likelihood of fatigue.

Common Scenarios For Fatigue-Related Accidents

Fatigued drivers can cause severe accidents in a variety of situations, including:

Rear-End Collisions – Tired drivers can fail to notice traffic slowing ahead, leading to rear-end crashes.
Head-On Collisions – Fatigue can cause a driver to drift into oncoming traffic, resulting in severe or fatal head-on collisions.
Intersection Accidents – Exhausted drivers may run red lights or fail to yield, causing accidents at intersections.
Commercial Truck Accidents – Truck drivers working long shifts will sometimes exceed federal driving hour limits, significantly increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Single-Vehicle Accidents – Fatigued drivers may lose control of their vehicle, veer off the road, or crash into stationary objects.

Understanding Liability In Driver Fatigue Accidents

In Michigan, liability for a car accident is determined by fault. Drivers who cause accidents due to fatigue can be held liable for damages. Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurance typically covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit. However, in cases of serious injury or death, you may pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages.

Under Michigan law, including the Michigan No-Fault Act, injured parties must meet the “serious impairment of body function” threshold to pursue a liability claim. Our legal professionals work hard to ensure these thresholds are met, ensuring that our clients receive the full economic compensation their cases deserve.

How We Prove Driver Fatigue

Proving driver fatigue requires a thorough investigation. We gather evidence to build a strong case, including:

Driver Logs – In truck accident cases, we review driving hours and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Witness Statements – Testimonies from passengers or other motorists can establish signs of driver exhaustion.
Accident Reconstruction – Experts can analyze the crash scene to determine whether fatigue played a role.
Electronic Records – In commercial vehicle accident cases, electronic logging devices (ELDs) may show if the driver exceeded legal driving limits.
Medical Records – Evidence of a driver’s sleep disorder or use of sedating medications may support your claim.

Compensation For Victims Of Fatigue-Related Accidents

Victims of driver fatigue accidents might be entitled to various forms of economic compensation, including:

Medical Expenses – Compensation for medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and other medical costs.
Lost Wages – Monetary compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
Pain And Suffering – Financial compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Property Damage – Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
Wrongful Death Damages – Compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses in fatal accident cases.

Michigan Car Accident Laws And Statutes

Michigan law provides a framework for protecting accident victims and holding negligent parties accountable. Key statutes include:

Michigan No-Fault Act (MCL 500.3101) – Requires drivers to carry no-fault insurance and provides benefits regardless of fault.
Comparative Fault (MCL 600.2959) – Allows victims to recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as their fault is less than 51%.
Statute Of Limitations (MCL 600.5805) – Requires personal injury claims to be filed within three years of the accident.

Understanding these laws is crucial when pursuing compensation. We ensure your case complies with all legal requirements, maximizing your chances of success.

Michigan Fatigued Driver Accident FAQs

What Are The Signs That A Driver Was Fatigued?

Signs of driver fatigue include frequent lane drifting, sudden braking, delayed reaction times, and erratic driving. Witness testimonies, video footage, and accident reports can help establish fatigue as a contributing factor.

Can I File A Lawsuit If My No-Fault Insurance Covers My Expenses?

Yes. Michigan’s no-fault insurance covers basic medical expenses and lost wages, but it may not fully compensate you for pain and suffering or other damages. If you suffer a serious injury, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for additional financial compensation.

What Should I Do After A Fatigue-Related Accident?

After a fatigue-related accident, seek medical attention immediately, report the accident to the police, document the scene with photos, and collect contact information from accident eyewitnesses. Notify your insurance company and contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

How Do You Prove Driver Fatigue In Court?

We use evidence like driver logs, electronic records, and witness testimonies to prove fatigue. In truck accidents, FMCSA regulations are critical in establishing whether a driver violated federal limits on driving hours.

What Compensation Can I Recover If I’m Partially At Fault?

Under Michigan’s comparative fault law, you can still recover damages as long as your fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?

You must file a personal injury claim within three years of the accident under Michigan’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.

Call Our Detroit Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer For Exceptional Legal Help

Driver fatigue accidents can leave you facing immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we are here to help. Our Detroit fatigued driver accident lawyers have the experience, dedication, and resources needed to secure the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies fear lawyers like us because we fight to get every client more than any other lawyer could.

Contact our Detroit driver fatigue accident lawyer at Ravid & Associates, P.C. by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Let us put our 180+ years of combined experience to work for you. We proudly represent clients in Detroit and throughout the entire state of Michigan from our office in Southfield, Michigan.