Drowsy Driving Accidents In Maryland: The Risks And How To Protect Your Rights In An Injury Claim
Most people would never get behind the wheel after drinking, but they often think nothing of driving when they are exhausted. Unfortunately, being drowsy can be just as dangerous.
Going just an hour without sleep slows your reaction time, impairs judgment, and in the worst cases, causes drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys explain more about drowsy driving risks and how to protect your rights in an injury claim.
How Dangerous Is Drowsy Driving in Maryland?
Based on traffic reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that drowsy driving claims the lives of nearly 700 people throughout the U.S. annually. However, the actual number is likely much higher because fatigue is difficult to detect after a crash.
Certain groups are at higher risk of drowsy driving, such as new parents, swing shift workers, and people who suffer from sleep disorders. However, the reality is that it can affect anyone. Common factors that contribute to drowsy driving accidents include:
- Sleeping fewer than seven hours before getting behind the wheel.
- Taking medications that list drowsiness as a side effect.
- Driving during peak fatigue hours, typically between midnight and 6 a.m. or mid-afternoon.
- Long stretches of highway driving, which are monotonous and reduce alertness.
Drowsy driving is not just a personal risk. When a fatigued driver causes a car accident in Maryland, they can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Proving Drowsy Driving is Responsible For a Car Accident in Maryland
Under Maryland law, drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Choosing to drive while fatigued violates that duty.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports driver fatigue is among the leading contributing factors in crashes, but proving it in a Maryland car accident claim requires strong evidence. Examples include:
- Police reports that note signs of fatigue or inattention at the scene.
- Witness statements that describe erratic driving behavior before the crash.
- Cell phone or GPS records showing the driver had been awake for an extended period.
- Employment records showing whether the driver worked long or irregular hours.
- Medical records documenting your injuries and the full cost of your treatment and recovery.
Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard, which means that if you are found even partially at fault for the accident, it can impact your ability to recover compensation. To protect your rights in a claim, get professional legal representation.
Injured in a Drowsy Driving Crash? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys
Drowsy driving car accidents in Maryland can leave you with serious injuries, lost income, and a long road to recovery. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we provide the trusted legal help you need to get compensation.
Our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys can investigate, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, and fight to protect your rights and get the best possible settlement. Call or contact us online to request a consultation today.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving https://www.mdot.maryland.gov/OOTS/Pages/Home.aspx
