Joliet, IL Personal Injury Law Firm Handles Drowsy Driving Accident Cases
Illinois Accident Attorneys Represent Those Injured in Motor Vehicle Accidents
Lack of sleep, fatigue, or undiagnosed sleep disorders all affect a motorist’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. To avoid causing an accident due to sleepiness, drivers should:
- Ensure that they are well-rested before embarking on a long road trip.
- Avoid drowsy driving by making frequent stops.
- Exercise their eyes by reading road signs or shifting focus to different parts of the roadway.
Get Compensation for Drowsy-Driving Related Injuries
Under Illinois law, drowsy driving is considered reckless driving, a misdemeanor offense that includes fines and potential jail time. If you were injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, you could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- Present and future accident-related medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
If a fatigued driver causes an accident that injures or kills another person, they could be charged with vehicular assault or reckless homicide in addition to reckless driving.
Who is at Risk for Drowsy Driving?
Generally, anyone who is tired or sleep-deprived is at risk for drowsy driving. However, certain individuals are at greater danger, including:
- Young men between the ages of 17 and 23
- Shift workers, or those who work odd hours
- People suffering from sleep disorders
- Those who get less than six hours of sleep each night
Drivers who are excessively tired may be unable to make good decisions and focus on the road as they drive. Fatigue can also slow a motorist’s reaction time, a major cause of motor vehicle accidents.
Contact a Skilled Joliet, IL Injury Lawyer
Were injured in an automobile accident caused by a fatigued driver? Contact the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Kelly Law Offices, LLC online or call 1-800-859-8800 to discuss your case today.
