How Many New Jersey Drivers are Driving While Tired?
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Did you know about 24% of drivers admit to having driven while so tired they could barely keep their eyes open? Probably by the time they’re that exhausted they’re already impaired, but driving while tired is as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Some studies say that it’s even more dangerous. Either way, drowsy drivers cause roughly 697 fatal accidents on an annual basis nationwide. We don’t have specific statistics for New Jersey, but we suspect a fair number of the accidents that beat the New Jersey thresholds for bypassing at-fault laws and launching a lawsuit involve drivers that just weren’t alert at the time of the accident.
One AAA driving study took footage of drivers falling asleep for a few moments and crossing into oncoming traffic.
Proving Fault in a Drowsy Driving Accident
There are several ways we can prove fault in these accidents.
- There are no skid marks. This often proves the driver didn’t try to brake or take other evasive measures.
- Medical records may show the driver was fatigued.
- Phone records or credit card receipts can help us prove that the driver was on the road too long.
- Witness statements can help record the condition of the driver at the time of the accident.
- If you call us fast enough we might be able to subpoena video footage which can prove very useful.
- The time of day can matter too, as most drowsy-driving incidents take place between midnight and 6:00 am.
- Certain people are at greater risk for drowsy driver, such as young people, shift workers, and people with untreated sleep conditions. If the other driver was found to fit into these categories we can use this as evidence as well.
Maggie’s Law Could Pertain to Your Wrongful Death Case
If your loved one was killed by a drowsy driver, “Maggie’s Law” might apply.
In 2003, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a law which charges drivers who have not slept for more than 24 hours with vehicular homicide if they kill someone in an accident while driving.
If the driver is arrested and charged under Maggie’s Law their insurance company may even have to pay punitive damages for that accident. While no wrongful death case can bring your loved one back, it can help you absorb the financial losses caused by your loved one’s death.
Stay Safe, Call Us If You Need Help
If you know you’re getting tired, pull over and get some rest. While you can likely think of all the excuses in the world to push on, nothing is worth being involved in a catastrophic or even fatal car accident.
If you’ve been in a catastrophic accident and you suspect the at-fault driver was drowsy, call us. We’ll make sure every aspect of the case is investigated to give you your first chance at securing full compensation for the accident.
See also:
What New Jersey’s No-Fault System Means for Your Personal Injury Case
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Did you know about 24% of drivers admit to having driven while so tired they could barely keep their eyes open? Probably by the time they’re that exhausted they’re already impaired, but driving while tired is as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Some studies say that it’s even more dangerous. Either way, drowsy drivers cause roughly 697 fatal accidents on an annual basis nationwide. We don’t have specific statistics for New Jersey, but we suspect a fair number of the accidents that beat the New Jersey thresholds for bypassing at-fault laws and launching a lawsuit involve drivers that just weren’t alert at the time of the accident.
One AAA driving study took footage of drivers falling asleep for a few moments and crossing into oncoming traffic.
Proving Fault in a Drowsy Driving Accident
There are several ways we can prove fault in these accidents.
- There are no skid marks. This often proves the driver didn’t try to brake or take other evasive measures.
- Medical records may show the driver was fatigued.
- Phone records or credit card receipts can help us prove that the driver was on the road too long.
- Witness statements can help record the condition of the driver at the time of the accident.
- If you call us fast enough we might be able to subpoena video footage which can prove very useful.
- The time of day can matter too, as most drowsy-driving incidents take place between midnight and 6:00 am.
- Certain people are at greater risk for drowsy driver, such as young people, shift workers, and people with untreated sleep conditions. If the other driver was found to fit into these categories we can use this as evidence as well.
Maggie’s Law Could Pertain to Your Wrongful Death Case
If your loved one was killed by a drowsy driver, “Maggie’s Law” might apply.
In 2003, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a law which charges drivers who have not slept for more than 24 hours with vehicular homicide if they kill someone in an accident while driving.
If the driver is arrested and charged under Maggie’s Law their insurance company may even have to pay punitive damages for that accident. While no wrongful death case can bring your loved one back, it can help you absorb the financial losses caused by your loved one’s death.
Stay Safe, Call Us If You Need Help
If you know you’re getting tired, pull over and get some rest. While you can likely think of all the excuses in the world to push on, nothing is worth being involved in a catastrophic or even fatal car accident.
If you’ve been in a catastrophic accident and you suspect the at-fault driver was drowsy, call us. We’ll make sure every aspect of the case is investigated to give you your first chance at securing full compensation for the accident.
See also:
What New Jersey’s No-Fault System Means for Your Personal Injury Case