Modesto Fatigued Driving Accident Lawyer
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Drowsy Driver
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver? At the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis in Modesto, our fatigued driving accident lawyer helps clients receive the compensation needed to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses throughout Northern California.
If you or someone you know was hit by a motorist who fell asleep at the wheel, we can build you a case that will allow you to collect the settlement money you need in order to recover from your injuries to the best of your ability.
Hit by a fatigued driver? Call our drowsy driving accident attorney in Modesto now at (209) 528-0404 or contact us online to schedule your free case evaluation.
Fatigued Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes approximately 100,000 crashes per year in the United States. In 2017, the year from which the most recent data is available, 91,000 motor vehicle accidents involved drowsy driving, killing 795 people.
The National Safety Council claims that motorists are three times more likely to be in a car wreck if they are feeling fatigued.
How Fatigue Affects Driving Ability
It may seem harmless to drive a car while feeling a little sleepy, but sleep deprivation can actually be as detrimental to your driving ability as having several beers. According to the National Sleep Foundation, studies suggest that staying awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08, which is the legal limit in all U.S. states. Drowsiness impairs judgment and slows reaction times, just like alcohol and many types of drugs.
Risk Factors of Fatigue
According to the National Sleep Foundation, any of the following factors can contribute to fatigued driving:
- Driving when you would usually be sleeping, such as in the middle of the night
- Getting less than seven hours of sleep
- Having an untreated sleep disorder
- Traveling through different time zones
- Working long hours, multiple shifts, and/or night shifts
Signs of Drowsiness
You should always think twice before getting behind the wheel of a car of you are sleep deprived. If you are driving on little sleep, try to stay aware of how you are feeling in case you need to pull over for a stretch or a quick nap.
The following are common signs of drowsy driving you can pay attention to:
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Difficulty maintaining a steady speed
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles
- Drifting out of your lane
- Feeling restless, irritable, and/or aggressive
- Frequent yawning
- Missing road signs, signals, or turns
- Nodding off
- Slow reaction time
- Trouble focusing
- Turning up the radio
If you think you may be too tired to drive, ask yourself: Do I need to get in my car right now? If you’re not in a hurry, consider postponing your drive in favor of a nap. Or carpool with a friend, call a cab, or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft (if available in your area). Drowsy driving is too risky to chance.
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“Very knowledgeable in his craft.”
I came to the Law Office of Dean Petrulakis after being referred from a friend. I was previously working with another firm who had done very little to help me, let alone communicate with me. Mr. Petrulakis took time to speak with me over the phone and after consideration of the difficulties related to my case, he agreed to take my case. I was very impressed and appreciative of the genuine concern and compassion he relayed. He is very knowledgeable in his craft, and equally kind and personable. He and his assistant Jennifer were amazing communicators who kept me well informed without delay. My case was handled quickly, professionally, and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis to everyone/anyone who has been injured and needs representation.- K's A. -
“HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs”
“Dean has definitely helped us with a case on our hit and run. My husband and I are so thankful for his fast action and professionalism. Great staff. HIGHLY recommend him for any injury needs. Thank you Dean!”- Former Client -
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“Thank you helping us when we needed you. The best in our area by far!”- Former Client -
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