The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that drowsy driving is a serious problem on roadways throughout the United States. The dangerous combination of driving and sleepiness can and does easily result in injuries or deaths from motor vehicle accidents. Whether it is the result of insomnia, lack of consistent sleep patterns, a sleep disorder, certain medications, or drinking alcohol, driving while drowsy can have a great impact on you and your passengers, as well as the drivers and occupants of other vehicles on the road.
One study showed that one of every 25 drivers admitted to having fallen asleep while driving over the past 30 days. However, even if a driver does not actually fall asleep, drowsiness lessens a driver’s ability to pay attention to the road, slows a driver’s reaction time in terms of braking or slowing down suddenly, and affects a driver’s ability to make good decisions overall while driving. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving caused about 72,000 crashes in 2013, which resulted in 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths. However, data shows that many drowsy driving-related accidents go unreported, which suggests that as many 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be attributable to drowsy driving.
Some individuals who are particular risk for drowsy driving include over-the-road truck drivers, swing-shift workers, commercial bus and tow truck drivers, drivers who use certain medications, and drivers who simply do not get enough sleep. Additionally, drivers who got less than six hours of sleep or who snored were more likely to report falling asleep while driving.
When drowsy driving or other negligent behavior causes a motor vehicle crash resulting in serious injuries to you or a loved one, the impact can be immeasurable. Although some accidents are just that – accidents – others are caused by the negligence of another, such as a drowsy, inattentive, or distracted driver. If you or a family member is in this situation, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Call Boller & Vaughan for an appointment, and learn how our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys stand ready to advocate on your behalf.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of one and 54. Although studies show that the regular usage of seat […]
There are several different types of damages, or kinds of compensation, that are potentially available to personal injury accident victims. Whether you are entitled to a particular type of damages depends largely on the circumstances […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.