Drowsy Driving Accidents in San Diego

When a driver is fatigued, it can be difficult for them to pay attention to traffic, make decisions, and navigate a vehicle slowly. Not surprisingly, drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous, causing an estimated  328,000 car accidents across the nation every year. In California, drowsy drivers cause roughly 10 to 11 collisions a day.

When a fatigued or drowsy driver causes a car accident in San Diego, the results can be catastrophic - causing serious injury and, in some cases, death. In these situations, it’s imperative to hold the drowsy driver accountable for the costs, injuries, and trauma they’ve caused.

How Dangerous is Drowsy Driving?

We all know that drunk driving is incredibly dangerous. There are countless organizations and government programs dedicated to drunk driving education and prevention. Did you know that fatigued driving is considered to be just as dangerous - if not more so - than driving under the influence?

The results of drowsy driving are strikingly similar to those of drunk driving:

• Reduced reaction time
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty maintaining a lane of traffic
• Blurred vision
• Falling asleep at the wheel

According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who miss out on three to four hours of sleep a night are four times more likely to cause car accidents than drivers who get a full seven hours of sleep. About one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep. More than 13 percent of Americans admit to feeling overtired or exhausted. As a result, there’s potential for a lot of drowsy drivers on the road. In fact, a CDC study found that one out of 25 drivers surveyed admitted to falling asleep at the wheel in the past month.

The AAA study not only revealed that drowsy driving causes more car accidents than initially thought, but that those accidents tend to be quite serious. One-third of drowsy driving accidents cause an injury, while 20 percent of the nation’s fatal collisions involve a fatigued or drowsy driver.

Demand Compensation If You’re Injured By a Drowsy Driver in San Diego, CA

Drowsy driving is a choice. If a driver decides to get behind the wheel when they’re not fully rested, they put themselves and others on the road at risk. When a drowsy driver causes a car accident in San Diego and you get hurt as a result, you have the right to hold them accountable for their negligence.

Through a claim for insurance or a car accident lawsuit, you’ll have the opportunity to seek compensation for any damages you’ve suffered because of the drowsy driver - including medical bills, lost wages, disability, and emotional distress. Punitive damages can potentially be awarded if there’s evidence that the drowsy driver’s actions are deemed to be intentional or grossly negligent.

Don’t stress about how to get compensation for your crash-related injuries. Focus on getting better and trust Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego, CA car accident lawyers to help you fight for the justice you deserve.

We represent victims of drowsy driving accidents across the state of California, so reach out to one of our conveniently located law offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Santa Rosa to schedule a free consultation now.