Looking for a Drowsy Driving Accident in San Antonio?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the devastating effects of car accidents caused by drowsy driving. As a trusted drowsy driving accident lawyer in San Antonio, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve after an accident involving a tired or fatigued driver. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a drowsy driver, our experienced attorneys in San Antonio can help you with the complexities of the legal process.
Drowsy driving is a growing concern in the United States, especially in a bustling city like San Antonio. With long commutes, busy schedules, and sleep deprivation affecting many drivers, the risks are higher than ever. If you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers in San Antonio.
What is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving refers to operating a vehicle while feeling fatigued or sleepy, leading to reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. Drowsy drivers may experience difficulty focusing, blurred vision, and even microsleeps, brief lapses of sleep that can last just a few seconds but result in devastating accidents.
The National Sleep Foundation reports that drowsy driving is responsible for approximately 100,000 crashes annually in the United States. In many cases, these accidents lead to severe injuries or fatalities, which could have been prevented had the driver not been fatigued.
Drowsy Driving Accident Statistics and Legal Landscape in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio continues to grapple with drowsy driving accidents, these types of crashes are going on an upward trend annually. According to Texas Department of Transportation data, Bexar County reports roughly 200-250 confirmed drowsy driving accidents yearly, though it believes the actual number is significantly higher due to underreporting.
Legally, drowsy driving falls under negligence laws in Texas. While not criminally classified like DUI, drivers who cause accidents while fatigued can face civil liability for damages. San Antonio courts increasingly recognize sleep deprivation as comparable to impairment, particularly in cases involving commercial drivers or shift workers.
Texas’ comparative negligence system may reduce compensation if victims share fault. The statute of limitations for filing claims is two years. Local authorities have implemented awareness campaigns targeting high-risk groups, including night shift workers, college students, and commercial drivers.
Interstate corridors through San Antonio show elevated drowsy driving risk, particularly I-35 and I-10 during early morning and late evening hours when driver alertness naturally diminishes.
The Causes of Drowsy Driving Accidents
Several factors contribute to drowsy driving accidents, including:
- Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep is the most common cause of drowsy driving. People who do not get enough rest are at a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel or exhibiting impaired judgment and reaction times.
- Extended Work Hours: Drivers who work long shifts, especially in occupations like trucking or delivery services, often experience fatigue that can lead to accidents.
- Driving at Night: Drivers are more likely to become fatigued when driving at night, especially between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. when the body’s natural sleep cycle is strongest.
- Medications: Some medications can cause drowsiness or impaired mental functioning. Drivers who take such medications may unknowingly put themselves and others at risk.
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, making it dangerous to drive.
As an experienced drowsy driving accident attorney in San Antonio, Steve Hollingsworth knows that proving fatigue as the cause of an accident can be challenging.
Common Injuries in Drowsy Driving Accidents
Like any car accident, drowsy driving crashes can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some common injuries include:
- Whiplash: Sudden stops or impacts during a drowsy driving accident can cause whiplash, which involves injury to the neck and spine.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact of a crash can cause significant head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or face are common in car accidents.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Injuries to the back and spine can cause chronic pain and long-term disability.
- Internal Injuries: Serious internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may occur as a result of a severe collision.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical harm, victims may experience emotional trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, due to the crash.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in an accident in San Antonio, our drowsy driving car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Recovering Compensation After a Drowsy Driving Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowsy driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care that may be required due to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you have lost due to the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Your injuries can cause significant physical and emotional pain. Compensation for pain and suffering can help alleviate some of the distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident has caused significant harm to your relationship with a spouse or partner, you may be able to seek damages for the loss of companionship and support.
By working with a skilled drowsy driving accident attorney in San Antonio, you can ensure that all of your damages are accounted for and receive the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, Our San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney Also Focuses on the Following Practice Areas:
Proving Drowsy Driving in an Accident Claim
Establishing that drowsy driving was the cause of an accident can be challenging. In most cases, there are no apparent signs that a driver was fatigued at the scene of an accident. However, there are various ways a car accident lawyer in San Antonio can help build a strong case to prove negligence on the part of the driver.
Some of the ways that fatigue can be proven include:
- Driver Testimony: Sometimes, the driver may admit to being tired or falling asleep at the wheel. Statements from the defendant can be used as evidence to support your claim.
- Witness Testimony: Witnesses who observed erratic or unsafe driving behaviors such as swerving between lanes, drifting, or making sudden stops can testify on your behalf.
- Driver History: A driver’s history of sleep deprivation, working long shifts, or reporting fatigue can indicate that they were driving while drowsy. Your attorney can gather records of the driver’s employment, medical history, and previous traffic violations.
San Antonio drowsy driving accident attorneys can help strengthen your case and increase your chances of securing compensation by carefully investigating the accident’s circumstances.
Why choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims in San Antonio. Our team of experienced San Antonio drowsy driving accident lawyers are dedicated to providing personalized legal representation and aggressive advocacy for our clients.
When you hire our firm, you can expect:
- Personalized Service: We take the time to get to know you and understand the unique circumstances of your case. We work closely with you every step of the way to ensure that your needs are met.
- Proven Success: Our attorneys have a track record of securing compensation for San Antonio accident victims. We fight hard to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowsy driving accident in San Antonio, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm at 210-551-0195 for a free consultation with one of our experienced drowsy driving accident attorneys in San Antonio. We are here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward after your accident.
