Pennsylvania Fatigued Driver Accident Lawyer

Drowsy Driving Accidents in PA

Falling asleep at the wheel leads to hundreds of car accidents every year in Pennsylvania alone. In fact, there are many more drowsy drivers on the road than many people realize. Unfortunately, most drivers don't admit to themselves when they are too fatigued to drive and don’t realize how tired they are until it is too late.

Drowsy driving is a preventable issue and an extremely dangerous threat to other drivers on the road. Drivers who cause accidents because they fell asleep behind the wheel or were too tired to react in time to prevent an accident may be held liable for compensating accident victims.

Contact us online or call our office at (888) 286-2850 to get started.

Who Commonly Falls Asleep Behind the Wheel?

People who are most likely to drive while fatigued include:

• Late night/early morning shift workers
• Shift workers who work more than 50-60 hours a week
• Long-haul truck drivers
• People with undiagnosed sleep disorders
• Business travelers

Fatigued Driving Accidents: A Preventable Epidemic

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy or fatigued driving is suspected in as many as one in six fatal car accidents, as well in one out of every eight crashes that results in hospital admissions. Statistics reveal that nodding off while driving – even just briefly – is a regular occurrence. A CDC report indicates that an average of 1 in 25 drivers will fall asleep while driving at some point. Some studies even show that drowsy or sleepy driver can be just as hazardous as drunk or drugged driving.

These accidents are always preventable. Drowsy motorists have the choice to pull over and rest rather than face the risk of getting into an accident. When these drivers choose to drive fatigued, they may not be acting malicious, but they are acting negligent. That means they may be held liable or responsible if they cause an accident.

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving

Preventing fatigued driving is essential for maintaining safety on the road. Here are effective strategies to avoid driving while tired:

• Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve sleep quality.
• Take Breaks During Long Drives: On long trips, take regular breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to stretch, walk around, and refresh yourself.
• Share Driving Duties: If traveling with others, share driving responsibilities to reduce the amount of time each person spends behind the wheel. This helps to ensure that no one driver becomes overly fatigued.
• Avoid Driving During Sleepy Times: Try to avoid driving when you are naturally inclined to feel drowsy, such as late at night or early in the morning.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to maintain energy levels. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that can contribute to drowsiness.
• Use Caffeine Wisely: Consuming caffeine can help to temporarily increase alertness. However, it is not a substitute for sleep and should be used judiciously.
• Know the Signs of Fatigue: Be aware of symptoms like yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty focusing. If you experience these signs, it’s important to stop driving and rest.
• Plan Your Trip: Plan your trips so you can avoid driving long distances without rest. Try to schedule your driving when you are naturally more alert.
• Use Technology Wisely: Some vehicles are equipped with fatigue detection systems that alert drivers when signs of drowsiness are detected. Utilize these features if available.
• Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Be aware that certain medications, alcohol, or recreational drugs can increase drowsiness. Avoid driving if you are under the influence of substances that can impair your alertness.

I Was Hit by a Sleepy Driver. What Now?

Just like any other car accident claim, a crash involving a sleepy driver must be handled by a skilled car accident attorney in Pennsylvania. At Metzger Wickersham, we strive to recover the maximum compensation for our clients after serious accidents.

We can fight to help you recover compensation for the following:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Any other related damages

Our drowsy driving accident lawyers in Pennsylvania bring years of collective insight and experience to car accident cases. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars over the years and remain ready to pursue the same results for you.

Large-Firm Resources, Small-Firm Attention

Metzger Wickersham has been trusted in Pennsylvania since 1888. Since then, we have helped thousands of individuals and families obtain the compensation they needed to get life back on track. Driven by a genuine passion for helping the injured achieve justice, we have a history of achieving excellent results for our clients. You shouldn’t have to pay for another person’s carelessness, nor do you have to go through this time alone. Allow our firm to stand by your side and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.

With eight offices across Pennsylvania, Metzger Wickersham represents car accident victims in:

• Harrisburg
• Lancaster
• Shippensburg
• Pottsville
• Wilkes-Barre
• Williamsport
• York
• Frederick