Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas, NV

drowsy driving car accident lawyer las vegas
drowsy driving car accident lawyer las vegas

Drowsy driving is a serious hazard on Las Vegas roadways. According to the National Sleep Foundation, around half of U.S. drivers admit to driving while drowsy. Approximately 20 percent of drivers say they’ve nodded off behind the wheel, and 40 percent report that it has happened at least once in their driving careers.

The consequences of driving while tired are well documented. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that an estimated 91,000 car accidents in a single year were caused by drowsy driving. Those collisions resulted in nearly 800 deaths and 40,000 injuries.

Were you hurt in a crash and suspect the other driver was fatigued? Get in touch with a drowsy driving car accident lawyer in Las Vegas at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys today to learn your legal rights.

Call or contact us now for a free consultation. 

Role of THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys Drowsy Driving Accident Cases

Tired man yawns while driving, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other covering his mouth

Drowsy driving accidents can cause severe injuries and life-altering consequences. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we work to protect your rights and seek fair compensation after such accidents. Here’s how we help:

Comprehensive Case Evaluation

We start by reviewing the details of your auto accident. Our team gathers evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case. We focus on proving the negligence of the drowsy driver to support your claim.

Handling Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. We communicate directly with the insurers to prevent them from undervaluing your claim. Our approach ensures you get fair compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Pursuing Full Compensation

Drowsy driving accidents often lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage. We fight to recover the maximum compensation for all your losses, including future medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

Legal Guidance Throughout the Process

As your Las Vegas car accident attorneys, we guide you at every step, explaining your rights and options in simple terms. We aim to relieve your stress while working diligently to resolve your case.

Representing You in Court

If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial lawyers will represent you and argue your case effectively before a judge or jury.

Is Driving While Tired Dangerous?

Research has shown that six in ten Americans are overtired. That means there are always drivers on the road who probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Individuals who have been awake for 18 consecutive hours will drive as though they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s just slightly below the legal limit of 0.08 percent. When a person has been awake for 24 consecutive hours, their driving skills are as impaired as someone with a BAC of 0.10 percent.

Like drunk drivers, fatigued drivers have difficulty focusing on the road, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. Being tired does not give drivers the quick-thinking skills essential to safe driving.

While the impairments are similar, fatigued driving looks a little different than drunk driving. It is fairly easy for other motorists to spot drunk drivers on the roads. Drunk drivers may swerve erratically or slow down to a near crawl as they try to pay attention to the roads.

Drowsy drivers, on the other hand, may not realize that they are driving dangerously. They may speed or neglect to hit the brakes to avoid an oncoming collision.

Why is Drowsy Driving a Problem in Las Vegas?

Evening traffic on the Las Vegas Strip, with Mandalay Bay and Luxor hotels illuminated in the background, surrounded by palm trees

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, so it’s no surprise that drowsy driving is a problem. Many city residents work on the Strip, where certain businesses, such as casinos, nightclubs, and lounges, are open 24 hours a day or close in the very early morning. Individuals may work the night shift and then drive home, sometimes when it is still dark, contributing to drowsy driving.

Las Vegas also welcomes over 40 million tourists every year. Tourists also often stay up late, sometimes all night, to take advantage of the city’s countless attractions and amenities. These drivers may not think driving just a short distance from one place to another is dangerous, but it is. Tired tourists, just like tired workers, can easily cause road crashes.

Drowsy Driving Accident Investigation Process

Investigating a drowsy driving accident requires a step-by-step process to gather evidence and establish liability. Car accident victims and their families often need answers about what caused the crash. A thorough investigation helps identify if a negligent driver caused the accident due to fatigue.

  1. Documenting the Accident Scene: Police officers begin by documenting the accident scene. They collect details like road conditions, skid marks, weather, and lighting. Photographs of vehicle damage and the surroundings provide crucial evidence. Accident reconstruction specialists may later use this data to recreate the crash.
  2. Collecting Police Reports: A police report offers an official incident record. It includes statements from both drivers and witnesses, which may reveal signs of drowsy or reckless driving. A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can request a copy to strengthen the car accident injury claim.
  3. Interviewing Witnesses: Witnesses play a key role in confirming if the at-fault driver showed signs of fatigue. Their statements help establish whether the negligent driver was drifting between lanes or showed delayed reactions before the crash.
  4. Reviewing Driver’s Records: The investigator may check the driver’s license number, driving history, and prior violations. If the driver has a record of reckless driving or other offenses, it could indicate a pattern of dangerous behavior.
  5. Analyzing Medical Records: Accident victims should seek medical attention immediately after a crash. Medical records document the extent of injuries, from common car accident injuries like whiplash to serious injuries like traumatic brain injury. This helps personal injury attorneys build a case for fair compensation, including medical bills and lost wages.
  6. Using Accident Reconstruction Specialists: In more complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists analyze the accident scene and vehicle damage. Their reports help determine how fatigue may have contributed to the crash, which can be vital for car accident claims.

Tips to Avoid Driving While Fatigued in Las Vegas

Relaxed man with closed eyes reclines on a beige couch, hands resting behind his head

Many motorists become tired while driving, which may seem impossible to combat. However, there are ways to avoid driving while fatigued in Las Vegas, including:

  • Take a nap before heading out: If you know you are tired, take a short nap before driving. Even a 20-minute power nap can help with alertness but is not a substitute for a full night’s rest.
  • Know the signs: Yawning or blinking frequently, being unable to remember the last few miles driven, drifting between lanes, or hitting rumble strips are signs of drowsy driving.
  • Drive together: When venturing out on a long trip, it is always best to drive with another person who also has a driver’s license. If you become tired, you can ask the other driver to take over for a short time so you can get some sleep.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol: Even a very small amount of alcohol will make you feel tired and contribute to drowsy driving. Drinking alcohol becomes even more dangerous when your body is already tired.
  • Drive during the day: Darkness signals to your body that it is time to go to sleep. Try to drive during daylight hours when possible, especially between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

All drivers on the roads in Las Vegas must follow these tips. Not only can they help prevent a drowsy driving accident from occurring, but they can also help you avoid facing liability for a crash.

When to Contact a Lawyer After a Fatigued Driver Car Accident in Nevada

People are sometimes unsure whether they need a car accident lawyer after a collision. If you were in a very minor crash with no injuries, you don’t need legal help. However, there are times when it’s critical to contact a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas.

Contact a lawyer if:

  • Someone was seriously injured or killed.
  • A fault is being disputed.
  • The accident caused you to miss work.
  • The police report is inaccurate.
  • The insurance company is being uncooperative.
  • You believe a settlement offer is unfair.

An Experienced Drowsy Driving Lawyer in Las Vegas Can Help You Today

If you have been hurt by a fatigued driver, let the Las Vegas drowsy driving accident lawyers at THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys fight for the compensation and justice you are owed. We’ll stand by you through every stage of the claims process and negotiate for the best possible result in your case.

Questions? Call or contact us today to schedule your free consultation.