Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer in Huntsville

Driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as other forms of impaired driving. A tired driver may have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and trouble staying focused on the road. If you’ve been injured due to a fatigued driver, you may have questions, be facing medical bills, and be unsure about what to do next. 

A Huntsville driver fatigue accident lawyer from Wettermark Keith can investigate what caused the crash and identify the parties who may be responsible. 

With more than 100,000 people helped, our firm understands the importance of building strong cases for injured people. Contact Wettermark Keith today for a free consultation with a Huntsville car accident lawyer today. 

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Driver Fatigue Accident in Huntsville?

A serious accident can create financial and personal losses that continue long after the crash. Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may be available for:

• Medical bills and future medical care.
• Lost wages.
• Reduced earning ability.
• Physical pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Property damage.
• Rehabilitation and other ongoing care.

Alabama also follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that generally, if you contributed to your own injury, you may be barred from recovering damages. Because this rule can have a major effect on an injury claim, it is important to carefully review the facts of an accident. A Huntsville personal injury lawyer can help with this review process. 

Common Causes of Fatigued Driving Accidents

Many factors can cause a driver to become dangerously tired behind the wheel. Common causes include:

• Long hours behind the wheel: Commercial truck drivers may spend long periods driving or working.
• Hours-of-service violations: Federal rules limit how long many commercial drivers can work and drive without required rest periods.
• Shift work: Overnight and rotating schedules can disrupt normal sleep patterns.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions that interfere with restful sleep can affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
• Medication side effects: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness.
• Rideshare and delivery work: Drivers may work long hours or multiple jobs, increasing the risk of fatigue.

Federal hours-of-service rules are designed in part to help ensure commercial drivers get enough rest to remain alert.

Signs a Driver Was Fatigued at the Time of the Crash

Proving fatigue can be challenging, but certain evidence may point to drowsy driving. Signs that a driver may have been fatigued include:

• Drifting between lanes.
• Crossing the center line.
• Failing to brake before impact.
• Rear-ending another vehicle.
• Missing traffic signals or warning signs.
• Making inconsistent statements about sleep or work schedules.

A Huntsville driver fatigue accident lawyer may review these records as part of a larger investigation into the cause of the crash.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drowsy Driving Accident?

Liability depends on what caused the accident and who contributed to the driver’s fatigue; here are some potential parties that may be looked at for liability.

The Driver Who Was Fatigued

A driver may be responsible for choosing to continue driving while dangerously tired. Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and should pull over when they cannot remain alert.

A Trucking or Employer Company

A trucking company or employer may also share responsibility in some cases. For example, a company may create unrealistic schedules, ignore hours-of-service rules, or pressure drivers to continue working without enough rest.

Third Parties

Other parties may also play a role depending on the facts. This could include dispatchers, contractors, or other companies involved in scheduling and managing a commercial driver.

Wettermark Keith can investigate the full circumstances of the accident rather than assuming only one party is responsible.

How Wettermark Keith Can Help After a Fatigue-Related Crash

Driver fatigue cases often require more investigation than a typical accident claim. There may not be obvious evidence showing that the other driver was tired. Our firm may be able to help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash.
• Reviewing police reports and witness statements.
• Examining electronic logging devices (ELDs) and trucking records.
• Looking at work schedules and dispatch information.
• Identifying all potentially responsible parties.
• Calculating the full impact of your injuries.
• Handling communication with insurance companies.
• Preparing a case for litigation when necessary.

Our firm takes a direct and personal approach to injury claims and is here to assist after you’ve been injured. Reach out to us to speak with a Huntsville driver fatigue car accident lawyer today. 

Contact a Huntsville Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer Today

Evidence in a driver fatigue case can disappear quickly. Trucking records, electronic data, witness memories, and other important information may become harder to obtain over time.

At Wettermark Keith, we have over 50 years of combined legal experience. Our team can review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps. 

Contact a Huntsville driver fatigue car accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation and learn how Wettermark Keith may be able to help. It’s More To Us, It’s Personal.