Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
Whenever anyone gets behind the wheel of a car, the potential for harm is always present. Whether it be another driver’s mistake, a pedestrian who crosses at an unmarked intersection, or a truck driver who was not paying attention to the road ahead of them, the bottom line is that driving can be a very dangerous activity, one that requires the complete attention of the person in control of the vehicle.
However, despite the dangers inherent in driving a car, truck, or motorcycle, motorists continue to push their own physical limits by trying to stay awake in order to “make good time” or avoid the cost of a hotel. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are about 100,000 accidents caused each year by drowsy driving. This results in approximately 1,550 fatalities annually. One startling statistic revealed that approximately 37% of drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel at one time or another.
Given the dangers involved with drowsy driving, those who get behind the wheel when they are too tired to safely operate a vehicle may be considered legally negligent. When such negligence causes an injury to another motorist or pedestrian, the drowsy driver may be held liable through a civil negligence lawsuit brought by the injured party or their loved ones.
One Example of Drowsy Driving Claimed a Teenage Boy’s Life
Earlier this week in Fairfield, a teenage boy was killed when the vehicle he was riding in ran off the road and struck a tree. According to one local news source, the accident took place in King George County, and the vehicle was being operated by the man’s father.
Evidently, the vehicle inexplicably veered off Route 301 and into a tree not far from the road’s edge. After colliding with the tree, the vehicle flipped over, killing the teen inside. The man’s father, the only other occupant of the vehicle, survived the accident. However, he was charged with reckless driving because police believe that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel shortly before the fatal accident that claimed his son’s life.
Recovering Compensation When a Loved One Is at Fault
It is a common misconception that an injured accident victim cannot recover for their injuries if they are in the car with a loved one who is deemed to have been at fault in the accident. It is important to note that the law will not prevent an injured party from seeking compensation from a loved one’s insurance policy.
Have You Been Injured in a Virginia Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in any kind of Virginia car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you recoup the costs associated with being involved in a serious accident. This may include amounts for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident. To learn more, call the Virginia car accident attorneys at The Schupak Law Firm at (703) 798-3039. Calling is free and will not result in any obligation on your part unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
See More Blog Posts:
Contact Sports and Traumatic Brain Injuries, Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog, December 14, 2015.
Court Determines Hospital Slip-and-Fall Is Not a “Medical Malpractice” Case, Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog, January 6, 2014.