Greensboro Drowsy Driving Accident Attorney

Drowsiness and driving can be a deadly combination. Drowsiness can impair driver reaction times and cause dizziness and blurred vision. It can even lead to drivers falling asleep on Greensboro roads.

This problem isn’t limited to our community. It’s popping up everywhere across the country. Drivers who were drowsy at the time of an accident kill hundreds of people and injure thousands more every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drowsy driving is negligent driving. If a drowsy driver injured you in Greensboro or surrounding areas of North Carolina, don’t take on the insurance companies alone. Let Ward Black Law help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and other losses the car accident caused.

Our team of Greensboro car accident attorneys is committed to answering your questions and serving as your voice during this difficult time. Your peace of mind matters after an accident. We’re ready to help you take the next steps while advocating for the compensation you deserve from the other driver.

After a drowsy driving car accident in Greensboro or surrounding areas of Guilford County, get a free case review and free consultation by calling the personal injury lawyers at Ward Black Law or reach out online today. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless and until you receive compensation from the negligent party or their insurance company.

What Is Drowsy Driving in Greensboro, NC?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowsy driving is operating a vehicle while tired or sleepy. That could include drivers who operate vehicles when they haven’t gotten adequate sleep or because they have been on the road for too long without taking a break. It could also include drivers who are sleepy because of medications that increase drowsiness. Some drivers fail to account for how alcohol interacts with certain drugs. Young drivers may lack the experience to know when to get off the road.

No matter why a driver is tired, getting behind the wheel while sleepy is always a bad idea. In many ways, its effects are similar to another bad habit – distracted driving.

What Are the Signs of Drowsy Driving in North Carolina?

A drowsy driver may exhibit some common signs when they’re behind the wheel on North Carolina roads. While everyone is different, fatigued drivers may exhibit:

• Nodding off – Drivers who are drowsy may have trouble keeping their heads up and their eyes on the road. Some may even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Yawning or rubbing their eyes frequently – If a driver can’t stop yawning or rubbing their eyes, it’s often a sign they’re drowsy.
• Missing exits – On highways like Interstate 40 or 85, it’s important to take the correct exit. But drowsy drivers may lose focus and miss the turns they should take.
• Turning the radio up or rolling windows down – Drivers who feel drowsy may increase the volume on their car stereo or open the windows for fresh air. While some people feel this helps, it’s a strong sign that the driver needs to take a break.
• Lane drifting – As drowsy drivers travel down the road, they may lose their ability to stay in their lane. That can lead to devastating accidents, particularly on narrow roads.
• Loss of concentration – Drivers experiencing drowsiness may lose the ability to focus on where they are, where they’re going, and what they need to pay attention to while driving.
• Feeling restless – When drivers are tired, they may become irritable or restless. That can lead to dangerous behavior and avoidable accidents.
• Tailgating – Drowsy drivers may follow too closely or may not be able to judge distance effectively.
• Slow response to road hazards – Experienced drivers know how danger can quickly appear on the road. But drowsy drivers can’t respond quickly enough to avoid hazards that could hurt themselves and others.
• Forgetting recent events – Drowsy drivers may not remember where they came from or what happened over the last few miles.
• Hallucinations – Drowsy drivers may experience visual or auditory hallucinations that could cause them to swerve or lose control of the vehicle.

How Driving While Drowsy Causes Greensboro Car Accidents

Drowsy driving means that drivers don’t have the reaction time, attention span, or awareness that they should. That can easily lead to deadly motor vehicle accidents. For example, a sleep-deprived driver may fall asleep and swerve into oncoming traffic. Alternatively, they could fail to brake in time if traffic on the highway comes to a halt.

If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they cannot take evasive actions before a crash like braking or steering to avoid a hazard. That means crashes involving driver fatigue often result in serious injuries or traffic fatalities.

Fatigued drivers are negligent drivers, and their negligence puts North Carolina road users at risk every day.

Compensation for Victims of Fatigued Driving Crashes

If you were injured in a Greensboro drowsy driving car accident, you might be facing painful injuries, lost time from work, and even long-term disability. But a drowsy driving car accident attorney in Greensboro could help you obtain compensation for your injuries. That could include:

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving in Greensboro, NC

Car crashes due to fatigued driving are often preventable. That’s because drivers can take some simple steps to ensure they aren’t tired on the road. These include:

• Getting enough sleep, usually seven to nine hours per night
• Addressing sleep disorders with medical professionals
  Avoiding driving after taking medications that could cause drowsiness
• Taking breaks as needed
• Checking any medicine combinations or interactions that could cause drowsiness
• Pulling off the road when showing signs of drowsiness

Drowsy Driving Statistics in Greensboro

Drowsy driving accidents can happen anytime in Greensboro, but drowsy driving accidents are a greater risk when certain factors are involved. According to NHTSA, drowsy driving accidents are more likely to happen at night between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. Those are the times people are usually most tired due to the body’s natural circadian rhythm. They’re also more likely to involve a single driver without passengers, and they tend to happen more on rural roads and highways.