North Carolina Fatigued Driving Accident Attorneys

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Everyone makes mistakes, but some mistakes are inexcusable. Drivers who are fatigued endanger the lives of everyone on the road. At Lanier Law Group, we are committed to fighting on behalf of anyone who suffers harm at the hands of a fatigued driver in North Carolina.

We recognize how frustrating it can be to know your auto accident was caused by someone who chose to drive while fatigued. Let us assess your case and help you file a claim for compensation. Come to one of our offices located throughout the state and speak with a knowledgeable injury lawyer today.

Request a free consultation when you call (855) 757-4204. You may also contact us online through our free case evaluation form. 

What is Drowsy Driving?

Fatigued driving, also known as drowsy driving, refers to the operation of a vehicle while experiencing significant tiredness or sleepiness. This condition impairs a driver's alertness, reaction times, decision-making, and overall driving performance, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Common reasons why fatigued driving occurs include:

• Inadequate Sleep: Failing to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night can result in sleep deprivation, leading to significant fatigue. This lack of rest impairs alertness and increases the risk of drowsy driving.
• Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome disrupt both sleep quality and quantity. These disorders prevent restorative sleep, contributing to chronic tiredness.
• Extended Driving Periods: Driving for long periods without taking breaks can cause both physical and mental exhaustion. This extended strain reduces a driver's ability to stay alert and respond quickly.
• Monotonous Driving: Long stretches of driving on straight, monotonous roads, like highways, can decrease a driver's alertness. The lack of variation in the scenery and road conditions can make it harder to stay focused.
• Shift Work: Irregular work hours, including night shifts or rotating shifts, can disrupt the body's natural sleep patterns. This misalignment with the circadian rhythm often results in fatigue.
• Overtime and Long Work Hours: Working extended hours reduces the time available for rest and recovery. The cumulative effect of long workdays can lead to significant tiredness and impaired driving performance.
• Circadian Rhythms: The body's natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, causes increased sleepiness during late night (midnight to 6 a.m.) and early afternoon (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Driving during these times increases the risk of drowsiness.
• Sedatives: Medications that induce drowsiness, such as certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs, can impair a driver's alertness. This increased drowsiness can make driving dangerous.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Consuming alcohol or recreational drugs can exacerbate fatigue and significantly impair driving ability. The combined effects of these substances with tiredness can be particularly hazardous.
• Illness: Being ill, even with minor conditions like a cold, can increase fatigue. Sickness drains energy levels and reduces alertness, making driving more risky.
• Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can interfere with sleep, leading to mental exhaustion. This emotional strain can significantly impact a driver's ability to concentrate and stay alert.
• Disruptive Sleep Conditions: A noisy, uncomfortable, or otherwise disruptive sleep environment can prevent a good night's rest. Poor sleep quality from such conditions can lead to daytime drowsiness.
• Poor Nutrition: An inadequate diet or skipping meals can result in low energy levels. This nutritional deficiency can cause fatigue, affecting a driver's alertness and performance.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which causes tiredness. Dehydration negatively impacts physical and cognitive functions, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
• Young Drivers: Teens and young adults often experience drowsy driving due to lifestyle factors and higher sleep needs. Their irregular sleep patterns and demanding schedules contribute to increased fatigue.
• Older Adults: Age-related changes in sleep patterns can affect sleep quality and lead to daytime sleepiness. This natural decline in restful sleep makes older adults more susceptible to fatigued driving.

How to Spot a Fatigued Driver

Tired drivers are capable of causing serious accidents. This is especially true in the all-too-common occurrence of fatigued truck drivers. Having assisted many victims of such collisions, we at Lanier Law Group know that these types of accidents are capable of resulting in catastrophic injuries and even death.

While some accidents are unavoidable, it can be helpful to know the signs of a fatigued driver so that you can keep your distance and hopefully prevent yourself from being involved in an accident. In many ways, the signs of a fatigued driver are very similar to those of a distracted or drunk driver.

Below are some tips on how to spot and avoid fatigued drivers:

• Swerving or “drifting:” Does the driver in front of you suddenly swerve even though the road conditions seem fine? Is he or she drifting across lanes? If so, he or she may be falling asleep at the wheel. Avoid the driver and contact your local law enforcement agency.
• Driving too slowly: Drivers who are about to nod off often begin creeping along far below the designated speed limit. If you notice someone who is driving much slower than the speed limit, this could indicate that he or she is falling asleep at the wheel.
• Running red lights: One reason fatigued drivers are so dangerous is that they are not alert. These reckless individuals often blow through red lights, stop signs, and yield signs. If you see someone doing this, contact local police as soon as possible.
• Hitting objects on or near the roadway: A fatigued driver is less likely to notice objects, such as traffic cones or signs, along or in the road. They will often hit or run over these objects, alerting you to the fact that they are nodding off.

Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident? Do you suspect that the other driver was asleep or fatigued? If so, with the help of our experienced team, you may be able to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries in Fatigued Driving Accidents

Because fatigued drivers or those who are asleep at the wheel often fail to brake before a collision, fatigued driving accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from fatigued driving accidents include:

• Brain injuries
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Head, back, neck, and shoulder injuries
• Amputation
• Broken bones
• Hemorrhaging/internal bleeding

The lifetime cost of these injuries can be immense. Not only will you need to pay for adequate and timely medical care, but you may also require ongoing treatment, either temporarily or for the rest of your life.