Driving while fatigued, sleepy, or drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Fatigued driving impairs a driver’s reaction time, motor skills, and judgment and can cause drowsy driving accidents. If you or your loved one has been involved in a drowsy driving accident in Little Rock, Arkansas, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Attorney Tim Reed of the Reed Firm has vast experience representing personal injury victims throughout Arkansas. He understands the devastating impact drowsy driving accidents can have. Injury victims only have a limited amount of time to pursue damages after a car accident, so contact the Reed Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your rights.
Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and is a factor in nearly 10 percent of all car accidents, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety. Additionally, drowsiness is three times as likely to be a factor in crashes when it’s dark out. Every year, drowsy drivers are involved in over 100,000 police-reported car accidents and are twice as likely to cause fatal accidents than non-drowsy drivers. Drowsy driving can result in:
- Impaired reaction time and judgment
- Increased aggression
- Difficulties with short-term memory
- Loss of vigilance
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Difficulty keeping their eyes open
- Missing road signs or turns
- Driving through intersections without the right of way
- Difficulty maintaining a safe speed
- Drifting in and out of the lane
Proving Liability in a Drowsy Driving Lawsuit
If you have been injured in a drowsy driving accident, you will need to prove liability to recover compensation for your injuries. Under Arkansas law, drivers must use reasonable care under the circumstances to prevent foreseeable injuries to other people on the road. When drivers fail to use reasonable care, they are driving negligently and can be held liable.
It can be argued that driving while drowsy is a form of negligent driving. An experienced Little Rock, car accident attorney can help you gather and preserve evidence that supports your case, such as:
- The police accident report
- The other driver’s medical history and any prescription medication records
- Your testimony
- Eyewitness accounts
- Opinions from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, that indicate the driver didn’t see the crash coming
- Social media history could shed light on whether the driver was fatigued
- The driver’s work schedule
How Much Is My Case Worth?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may wonder how much your case is worth. Every car accident case is unique, and the value of your case depends on multiple factors, including the type of injuries you’ve suffered. Generally, the more serious and disabling the injury, the more your case will be worth. Working with an attorney is the best way to get an accurate understanding of the value of your case.
Types of Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases
In Arkansas, plaintiffs are entitled to economic damages for their quantifiable damages, such as their past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and more. Plaintiffs can also recover compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Additionally, punitive damages may be available when the at-fault party’s willful or reckless behavior leads to a drowsy driving accident.
The Benefits of Working with a Personal Injury Attorney
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can be challenging, especially for those who are seriously injured in drowsy driving accidents. Attorney Tim Reed has years of experience dealing with Arkansas car accident lawsuits, including those caused by drowsy and sleepy drivers. After discussing your case with you, he will answer your questions and help you understand your legal options. As an experienced litigator, he knows how to develop an effective legal strategy to help you get the best outcome possible.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Little Rock, Arkansas Drowsy Driving Attorney
If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a Little Rock, Arkansas drowsy driving accident, you will benefit from working with a skilled attorney. Attorney Tim Reed works diligently to provide clients with skilled legal counsel. Contact the Reed Firm today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.