Although drivers may not always feel their best, it is expected that individuals have a minimum level of concentration when they get behind the wheel. Whether the time of day is in the early morning or late evening, drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists on the road.
Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents sometimes result when individuals underestimate their level of fatigue. New technology seeks to assist in that determination, perhaps preventing vehicle operation when divers doze off behind the wheel.
However, a personal injury attorney might caution that some level of accountability must be borne by drivers themselves. A driver’s license might be interpreted as an ongoing commitment to obeying traffic laws and paying attention to road conditions. Although a car crash caused by fatigue or speeding might not always result in a license suspension, it may constitute a breach of the duty of care that safe drivers owe to each other.
For victims of another driver’s negligence, an auto accident lawyer might prove to be a helpful resource. While victims are dealing with the pain and emotional trauma that can follow an accident, an attorney can be investigating the crash scene and reviewing any accident reports for signs of negligence.
An attorney may have advice regarding the evidence that will make the most persuasive impact on a jury, and which will prove that another driver was at fault. Finally, an attorney can also help in preparing a valuation for the pain and suffering, as well as medical expenses that an accident might have caused.
Source: thecarconnection.com, “Study: Drowsy Drivers Three Times More Likely To Have Auto Accidents,” Richard Read, Oct. 16, 2013