You probably already know just how serious drunk driving or distracted driving can be; however, drowsy driving happens just as frequently (if not more) and can be equally as dangerous.

Drowsiness after an all-nighter or several nights of little sleep isn’t just an uncomfortable sensation; it can be the recipe for a serious accident if you get behind the wheel. Sleep-deprived drivers are those drivers whose critical cognitive or physical abilities are inhibited due to a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation, even mild cases, makes drivers less attentive, delays their reaction time, and impacts their ability to make smart decisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 697 people died on U.S. roads in 2019 because of “drowsy drivers” either falling asleep at the wheel or unsafely operating their vehicle. But that’s not all: NHTSA estimates that in 2017, 91,000 police-reported crashes involved drowsy drivers. These accidents led to an estimated 50,000 people being injured. However, most traffic safety and sleep science experts agree that these numbers are likely an underestimate of the true impact of drowsy driving.

The scary fact is that sleep deprivation can be just as dangerous as drunkenness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites studies that show that going too long without sleep can impair your driving ability in the same way as alcohol.

• Staying awake for at least 18 hours is the same as someone having a blood content (BAC) of 0.05%.
• Staying awake for at least 24 hours is equal to having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%. This is higher than the legal limit (0.08% BAC) in all states.

Pair drowsiness with alcohol consumption, and the effects become even more pronounced.

Recognizing Sleep-Deprived Drivers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving accidents occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late afternoon. This is when most people have changes in their circadian rhythm which leads to experiencing heightened symptoms of fatigue.

The CDC reports that the following groups of drivers are more likely to suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation on the road than others:

• Drivers who do not consistently get 7 or more hours of sleep
• Commercial drivers who operate 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, or buses
• Shift workers
• Drivers with untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
• Drivers who use medications that make them sleepy, such as allergy medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and more

Why Long-Haul Truckers and Commercial Drivers are at High-Risk for Sleep Deprivation

Commercial drivers, especially long-haul truckers, are probably at the highest risk for being sleep-deprived on the road. Because of their long, monotonous hours behind the wheel — usually for several days in a row — drowsy driving is a real and serious problem in the industry.

The federal government has recognized this issue, which is why they have strict limits on how long truckers can drive. Currently, the regulation state that drivers are allowed a period of 14 consecutive hours in which to drive up to 11 hours — after being off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours.

To prove they are following regulations, truckers must keep driving logs. However, it’s not an uncommon practice in the industry to write one thing down yet do another. Drivers looking to shorten their trip or improve their efficiency could falsify records to stay within regulations on paper. This is why, if you were hit by a long-haul trucker, we look carefully into a driver’s logs and the company’s history. If the driver is lying on the logs, or if the driver’s company is aware that its employees are falsifying records, we can prove federal regulations were not being upheld which significantly increases your financial recovery.

Seeking Justice After a Sleep-Deprived Driver Hits You

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, it’s crucial you contact a sleep-deprivation accident attorney right away. If a drowsy driver’s illegal actions injured you or killed a loved one, you have every right to seek justice and a lawyer will help you do so.

Las Vegas sleep-deprivation accident lawyers can work to prove that the driver’s fatigued state caused the accident that has left you injured or mourning the loss of a life.

Here are just a few ways your Las Vegas car accident attorney may help you navigate this distressing time after an accident:

• Gather evidence that shows the other driver was fatigued or impaired. Official police reports, your own video or photos from the scene, or local security or traffic camera footage can be invaluable in proving the driver fell asleep at the wheel or was under the influence of sleeping pills or other medication that caused drowsiness.
• Help determine the value of your damages. From car repairs and medical bills to emotional suffering or the wrongful death of a loved one, we help you determine the full and fair compensation you deserve for the pain you’ve endured.
• Draw from their experience in other Las Vegas car accident cases. Choosing a personal injury attorney who has experience with drowsy driving cases is essential. Their previous cases and knowledge of DUI laws will help them understand how to approach your case to achieve the best outcome for you.
• Stand up to the fatigued driver’s attorney and insurance company. A drowsy driving defendant, their attorney, and their insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying you the fair compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney will know their tactics and make sure you — the victim — are never silenced.
• Be a trusted, confidential legal advocate. Having a trusted lawyer on your side is critical to protecting your rights. You don’t have to be a legal expert or skilled communicator to seek justice. They will give you the facts and offer advice based on what’s best for you. They will speak for you to give you the strongest and most compelling representation.

Choose Henness & Haight, The Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas

A serious car accident can leave you physically injured, mentally or emotionally traumatized, and financially insecure. We know what this moment feels like — we’ve helped many Las Vegas victims who have been where you are now. Know that this moment won’t last: help is here.

We are the experienced, professional, and capable legal team that is ready to stand up for you and your rights. Through careful legal strategy, expert communication, and a strong passion for justice, we will approach your car accident case as if it were our own.

We’re incredibly proud of our settlement results, but we’re even more proud of the testimonials our clients give. Being an advocate for victims of negligence is what drives us; that’s why you can trust that with Henness & Haight, help is here. In your situation, finding the resources to pay for a lawyer should be the least of your worries. That’s why our no-win, no-fee promise means you don’t pay anything out of pocket. Our legal fees are covered by a percentage of the settlement we win for you.

Learn more about our Las Vegas car accident attorneys and see some of our case results, or contact us for a completely free, no-obligation consultation.

FAQs about Sleep Deprivation Accidents