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Medical Conditions And Drowsy Driving | The Law Firm of Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC

Medical Conditions And Drowsy Driving

Falling asleep at the wheel can cause serious accidents that result in lifelong injuries, trauma and death. Drowsy driving is a major factor in many motor vehicle accidents in the United States. At Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC, our experienced car accident attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving drowsy drivers and are well-versed in developing effective strategies to help injured clients recover just compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.

Causes Of Drowsy Driving

Millions of people suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, which is typically caused by sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation is often connected to medical problems such as sleep disturbances, sleep apnea, chronic insomnia and other medical issues. According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are six times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, heart disease and other complex health problems can cause sleep disturbances and other issues that lead to drowsy driving. Taking drugs such as benzodiazepines, sleep medications, narcotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines also can also slow reaction time or cause someone to fall asleep at the wheel.

Medical History Indicators For Drowsy Driving Charges

Drowsy drivers are committing a negligent act, even if they do not intend to. They are risking their own lives and the lives of others and should be held accountable for their actions, but proving driver fatigue can be difficult. If you have been injured by a drowsy driver, it is vital to collect evidence that shows the accident was caused by his or her negligence. In cases where drivers do not admit to falling asleep at the wheel, there are other ways to show evidence of fatigue. Cell phone records, GPS tracking, traffic cameras and witness statements can be helpful, but one of the most effective ways to prove driver fatigue is by reviewing the negligent party’s medical history.

Skilled personal injury attorneys and their legal teams are well-equipped to handle cases involving drowsy drivers and will investigate all of the evidence surrounding an accident. They also possess the resources to enlist the services of experts who specialize in investigating, reviewing and identifying possible medical causes for drowsy driving that may support the facts of your case.

If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, our legal team at Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC, is committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 732-936-9901 for a free initial consultation. Se habla español.

Avoiding Drowsy Driving Accidents | The Law Firm of Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC

Avoiding Drowsy Driving Accidents

Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Getting behind the wheel while you are fatigued is a form of driver inattention and puts you, your passengers and others on the road at risk of serious injury or death. Drowsy driving can have the following effects:

  • Slow down your thought processes and judgment
  • Decrease reaction times
  • Affect your ability to focus
  • Impair your vision and hearing
  • Cause you to nod off while driving, which can have grave consequences

Causes of Drowsy Driving

Lack of adequate, quality sleep and driving at times of the day when you would normally be sleeping are two major causes of drowsy driving accidents. Truck drivers, off-hour shift workers and individuals who suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy are at an increased risk for fatigued driving accidents.

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving

The following tips can help you avoid driving while fatigued:

Make sure to get enough sleep, especially if you are traveling long distances. Drinking a cup of coffee may help you stay alert for a while, but it is no substitute for a good night’s rest. If you have been awake for more than 24 hours, driving is not safe for you or anyone else on the road.

Avoid alcohol before driving long distances. Even a small amount of alcohol can make you sleepy enough to fall asleep behind the wheel.

When driving long distances, take a break every 100 miles or every two hours. Stop and get out of your vehicle to walk around, get some fresh air and get your blood flowing.

If you are having difficulty focusing, pull over and find a safe place to rest. A 20-minute nap can be energizing and help you make it home safely.

Switch drivers as needed, and do not drive more than 8-10 hours per day.

Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you don’t feel the need to push yourself if you are tired.

Do not drive while taking medicines that cause drowsiness. Always heed warning labels on both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

If You Have Been Hurt in an Accident Caused by A Drowsy Driver, We Can Help

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, our motor vehicle accident attorneys in New Jersey can help you the compensation you deserve. Contact Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC, at 973-326-9099 to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.

New Jersey Law On Bicycle Accidents

While cycling can be a great way to get around, bicycle accidents can be a harrowing experience. If you have been struck by a vehicle, other cyclist or have been injured due to dangerous property conditions, it is vital that you obtain legal assistance immediately. Waiting will only add to your stress and can have a negative impact on your ability to make a claim, particularly if you wait too long.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Even if you are wearing all of the appropriate safety gear, injuries in a bicycle accident can be significantly more severe than those involving two motor vehicles. Head and brain injuries are common, ranging from minor scrapes to irreparable brain damage. In addition to jaws and noses, your list of broken bones can include your limbs and vertebrae.

Serious injuries to the spinal cord can leave victims temporarily or permanently paralyzed and the range of potential internal injuries is quite daunting. Along with these demanding conditions, people in bike accidents can suffer from all kinds of skin lacerations.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Immediately report the incident and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine right after the collision. It may take time to feel internal injuries, and you need to have the appropriate reports to prove that you were harmed during the accident. Recording the event with the authorities is the first step.

If you have a camera or recording device, take pictures and videos of the scene. You need to have a record of pertinent information, including damage to your bike, safety gear and anything else that seems relevant. For instance, if your bicycle accident involves dangerous property, your photos will substantiate your story in the event the owner makes the appropriate repairs.

How an Attorney Can Help

After a bicycle accident, you might just want to crawl into bed and forget the whole thing. However, this will not heal your injuries nor get your medical bills covered. An attorney can make sure that the responsible parties pay for your medical expenses and provide financial compensation when appropriate. You will no longer have to deal with insurance agents, bill collectors and other parties related to the incident.

Your New Jersey compensatory damages include future medical bills related to the accident as well as lost wages for the time you are unable to work. In addition to pain and suffering, the state also allows victims compensation for loss of enjoyment related to normal activities.

The liability claims related to bicycle accidents can quickly become complex, which is why you need to have professional representation. Contact our offices today for a free consultation regarding the justice and compensation you deserve.