Joliet, IL Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Those Injured by Drowsy Drivers
Illinois Accident Law Firm Focuses on Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue
Just like excessive speed, impairment related to alcohol and drugs, aggressive driving habits, and inclement weather conditions, fatigue is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents.
The role that drowsy driving plays in car crashes is not always understood for various reasons, including:
- Not all states’ accident reports include “sleepiness” as a factor in an accident.
- There is no test that can measure a driver’s drowsiness at the time of a crash.
- Not all investigators are trained to look for fatigue among the drivers involved in an accident.
- Even though a driver is nodding off at the wheel, he may deny falling asleep or not realize that he is drowsy.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Drowsy Driving
Most drivers who are sleep deprived have not slept soundly and may be suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by episodes when breathing is stopped during sleep due to partial or complete obstruction of a person’s airway. Besides snoring, other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), sleep-deprived men under age 26 cause the majority of all drowsy driving accidents, but the number of sleep-related crashes due to untreated sleep disorders is unknown. It is estimated that 80 percent of those who have sleep apnea are undiagnosed and untreated, which also increases their risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Contact a Skilled Joliet, IL Personal Injury Attorney
If you were hurt in an accident involving a fatigued driver, you could be eligible to recover damages to compensate you for your injuries. Contact Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to schedule your free initial consultation with a competent Illinois personal injury lawyer today.
