Little Rock Driver Fatigue Car Accidents

For many people, driving while fatigued is a choice. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Those who only sleep a few hours and then get behind the wheel run the risk of driving while drowsy. Drivers who work late-night shifts are also susceptible to this. For other people, however, driver fatigue is brought about by medical conditions like sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Certain medications can produce side effects such as drowsiness.

If you were injured in a car accident in Arkansas, you will need to establish the responsible driver’s negligence in order to recover compensation for your losses. Common warning signs of driver fatigue include yawning, dozing off, and drifting between lanes or off the side of the road. In driver fatigue car accidents, it is critical to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to uncover the evidence needed to successfully prove negligence.

For example, let’s say you were driving on East Broadway Street in Little Rock, approaching the intersection at Locust Street. At the same time, another driver is traveling in the opposite direction on East Broadway Street and approaching your vehicle. Assume it is 7:00 a.m. and you are on your way to work, but the other driver is just getting off of a 12-hour night shift. The other driver is tired, and as a result veers across the center line and strikes you head on. Investigating the wreck can uncover evidence to help you meet your burden of proof. For instance, a witness may have noticed the defendant exhibiting visible signs of fatigue. Discovery could reveal that the defendant was overworked and unable to maintain a proper sleep schedule. A skilled car wreck lawyer in the Little Rock area can assist you in gathering the proof needed to assert your claim.