Those who drive in Seattle, Washington, need to be aware of the dangers of fatigued driving, especially in relation to large trucks. Driving fatigue statistics show this to be a significant risk for truck drivers, which can result in collisions and a variety of damages. If you were the victim of a driver fatigue accident, you will need to understand the complexities around providing proof of this.
At NBF Accident Law, our truck accident attorneys in Seattle, WA, are here to provide our Seattle clients with the guidance they need as they navigate fatigue driving accident claims. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What is Driving Fatigue and How Does it Affect Drivers?
Driving fatigue occurs when a driver begins to feel sleepy, tired, or exhausted when they are behind the wheel. Although driver fatigue is most commonly found in commercial drivers, anyone can suffer from it, especially if they have been driving for long periods of time without rest.
No matter what state you live in, all drivers have a duty of care that requires them to drive as safely as possible. This includes being responsible and pulling over to rest if you are experiencing the symptoms of driving fatigue.
Here are some of the ways fatigue can affect someone when they are driving:
- Impaired vision
- Lack of attentiveness
- Short-term memory lapses
- Moodiness
- Impaired judgment
- Falling asleep
Driving fatigue makes drivers less responsive, which can contribute to vehicle collisions that would have otherwise been easy to avoid. A driver may be speeding without realizing it, resulting in a rear-end collision if they aren’t able to come to a stop quickly enough. In the most severe cases of driving fatigue, drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel, resulting in extensive collisions with a high risk of injuries and even fatalities.
Tips For Avoiding Collisions: Signs of Fatigue While Driving
When you are driving, you not only need to drive safely, but you also need to be aware of how other drivers are driving. For instance, it is easy to notice when you start to experience driver fatigue, but it can be harder to know when others are experiencing this.
Truck drivers are especially prone to experiencing fatigue while driving due to the long hours they spend on the road. here are some signs you can look out for that could indicate that another driver on the road is experiencing drowsiness:
- Driving too fast or too slow
- Frequently going over the line
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
In general, if you notice that a truck driver is driving abnormally or recklessly, it is best to try to get as far away as possible.
If you are the victim of an accident due to driver fatigue, you need to hire a truck accident attorney in Seattle, Washington. An attorney will have experience with these types of accidents and can help you locate the best types of evidence to prove negligence. Your attorney will also handle communication on your behalf, ensuring your rights are upheld, especially when it comes to communicating with insurance providers.
Common Accidents Caused by Driving Fatigue
The most common types of truck accidents as a result of driving fatigue are usually rear-end collisions. Rear-end collisions can occur because the driver falls asleep at the wheel or is less focused on the road, which has led to tailgating.
However, just about any type of accident can occur when a driver is very drowsy, such as sideswipe accidents, T-bone accidents, and even head-on collisions.
Because driver fatigue can cause many different types of vehicle accidents, it can also result in extensive bodily injuries as well as property damage. These types of accidents commonly result in injuries, such as whiplash, broken bones and fractures, cuts, internal damage, and concussions.
Your risk of sustaining serious bodily injuries is increased anytime you are in an accident with a commercial truck. That is why there are many fatigue driving laws in place, as well as truck driving regulations that are meant to help prevent these types of accidents.
How to Prove Fatigue Driving in Seattle
Unlike other types of accidents in Seattle, WA, proving fatigued driving can be quite difficult since there isn’t always concrete proof available. However, there are some things you can look into to uncover evidence regarding the driver and trucking company with the help of your attorney.
Here are some examples of evidence that can be useful in proving that fatigue was the cause of the accident:
- Driver logs
- Witness testimonies
- Medical records
- Expert opinions on drowsiness
- Black box data
- Surveillance camera or dash cam footage
When you are involved in an accident in Seattle, you should always call the police to report the accident. When law enforcement arrives, they will also create a police report that breaks down how the accident occurred and the evidence they found at the scene of the collision. This report can be very beneficial, especially if it shows that negligence was involved or the driver appeared to be drowsy at the scene.
As intimidating as it can seem to file a claim against a truck driver or trucking company, this is a very necessary step to take after an accident. By filing a claim, you can pursue damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, long-term injury, disability, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
Fatigue driving accidents are not only dangerous but can be a bit more difficult to prove when it comes to negligence and liability. However, by collecting the right types of evidence, you can prove that the other driver was at fault so that you can receive the compensation you need to cover property damage and injuries.
At NBF Accident Law, our truck accident lawyers will find purposefully on behalf of truck accident victims in Seattle, Washington. We can help you every step of the way, whether you are collecting evidence or filing your claim.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
