Indianapolis Drowsy Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on Indiana’s roads, yet it is still one of the most common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for nearly 100,000 car accidents each year, resulting in 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.

Though often less discussed than high-risk behaviors behind the wheel, such as driving while intoxicated, texting and driving, and spending, drowsy driving is every bit as dangerous. Drowsy driving was the leading cause of nearly 2,000 automobile accidents in Indiana alone in 2022, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

As the most trusted Indianapolis accident lawyer, Vaughn A. Wamsley is prepared to fight for the justice you deserve if a fatigued driver has in a crash caused you or a loved one.

Understanding the Drowsy Driving Phenomenon

As the name implies, drowsy driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while fatigued. This behavior is exceptionally unsafe because being tired significantly impairs the driver’s ability to focus on the road, react to changing conditions, and make responsible decisions behind the wheel.

Many factors contribute to drowsy driving, including long or irregular work hours, sleep disorders, medications, alcohol, and long-distance trips without adequate rest. Driving while tired is common, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that 1 in 25 adult drivers admitted to falling asleep while driving in the past month.

Though its prevalence is often understated, the dangers of drowsy driving cannot. Drivers who sleep less than five hours a night are five more times likely to be in an accident, while fatigued drivers factored in nearly 13 percent of all fatal crashes in 2022.

As a top-rated car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, we understand that drowsy driving is an often overlooked danger on our roads. If you suspect a tired driver contributed to your crash, contact us today to see how we can support your case.

How Drowsy Driving Accidents Impact Victims

Drowsy driving accidents can devastate both accident victims and their families. The detrimental effects are often far-reaching and create long-term consequences that strain the affected parties tremendously.

Common outcomes include:

• Physical Injuries – Accident victims frequently suffer serious bodily injuries, or even death, in drowsy driving crashes. Injuries typically include broken bones, back and spine injuries, paralysis, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, whiplash, lacerations, amputations, and more.
• Emotional Distress – Survivors often suffer from severe psychological challenges following a severe crash, including post-traumatic stress disorder, survivor’s guilt, anxiety, and others that can last years after the accident.
• Financial Strain – The cost of immediate medical care, long-term treatment, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and lost wages quickly create tremendous financial difficulties for victims and their families.

As an experienced drowsy driver accident attorney in Indianapolis, Vaughn Wamsley understands all the challenges that victims face following an accident. That’s why we offer compassionate and individualized support for all our clients while fiercely battling for justice to bring victims the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Indiana’s Drowsy Driving Laws

Indiana doesn’t have specific laws pertaining to drowsy driving. However, tired drivers can still be held accountable under the state’s negligence and reckless driving regulations applicable to these accidents.

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52, drivers may be liable for reckless driving caused by their fatigue if they endanger others and cannot operate their vehicle with reasonable care. Vehicle operators can be held responsible for damages caused by reckless driving, including swerving, failure to brake, and drifting across lanes.

As an esteemed drowsy driver accident attorney in Indianapolis, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who is liable and under what circumstances. If we uncover evidence of drowsy driving, we will build a solid case to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Recognizing Drowsy Driving to Prevent Accidents

Knowing how to spot a drowsy driver on the roadways can help you avoid an accident. The signs often mirror those exhibited by drivers under the influence or other distracted drivers. When you are on Indiana’s roads, watch out for:

• Drivers who are frequently yawning or blinking
• Vehicles that struggle to stay in one lane
• Cars that drift over center lines or onto rumble strips
• Automobiles that skid, brake suddenly, or make sudden maneuvers without signaling

As a driver, you must also be aware of your own fatigue levels. Ensure that you have a good night of sleep before a trip, avoid the use of alcohol and medicines that could make you tired, and take frequent rest breaks. If you become sleepy while driving, pull over and ask someone else to take the wheel or take a rest break.

Unfortunately, spotting a fatigued driver is not always enough to avoid a collision. If you suspect that drowsy driving contributed to your accident, contact an attorney experienced in these cases. Our dedicated team will tirelessly investigate your accident and can help you hold those responsible accountable.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Drowsy Driving Accident

The steps you take immediately after an accident are critical for your health and for any potential claim you may have. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle crash, be sure to:

1. Call 911 – First responders will treat any injuries and begin collecting evidence to document that accident
2. Get Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, a medical professional can offer you a complete medical evaluation to uncover any non-apparent injuries. They will also document your medical condition, which will be vital to your case.
3. Document the Scene – Take pictures of the crash scene, as well as of any property damage and visible injuries.
4. Collect Contact Information – Get the contact information for any other drivers, their insurance companies, and any witnesses to the accident.
5. Contact Us – You’ll want to speak to an experienced car crash lawyer as soon as possible for further guidance and to review your legal options.

You have a lot to worry about following a car accident. Trusting that you’ll be compensated for your damages shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why you should contact Vaughn Wamsley if you or a loved one has been involved in a crash,

Legal Options Following A Drowsy Driving Accident

Accident victims face a difficult road back to life as usual following a drowsy driving accident, which includes overcoming physical injuries, emotional challenges, repairing or replacing damaged property, and more.

Fortunately, drowsy driving accident victims in Indiana are entitled to pursue compensation for damages suffered. Compensation you might claim includes past and future medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and vehicle repair and replacement costs.

As a victim, you also have options regarding your legal representation. A quick Google search of “car accident lawyer near me” will yield numerous results, but the choice should already be clear. Vaughn Wamsley has the experience and track record to assure you that your claim is in the best hands possible.

How Vaughn Wamsley Can Help You

Drowsy driving cases require a thorough understanding of Indiana law, personalized attention, and meticulous attention to detail. Our team has all that and will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Our expert team will:

• Investigate Your Accident – We thoroughly investigate your accident by carefully examining all evidence, interviewing witnesses, and meeting with field experts
• Determine At-Fault Parties – Based on the evidence we gather, we determine which parties were negligible and under what circumstances.
• Determine Fair Compensation – We determine what fair compensation should be based on all damages.
• Negotiate With Insurance Companies – Our experienced team negotiates for a fair settlement with insurance companies.
• Pursue Litigation—If negotiation does not yield just compensation, we will be fully prepared to take your claim to court. We have a strong track record of achieving favorable awards for our clients.

As the Indianapolis drowsy driver car accident lawyer of choice, we will stand by your side at every step of the legal process. Our team is driven to achieve results that uphold justice and get our clients the results they deserve.

Call Us Today If You’ve Been in a Drowsy Driving Accident

Car accidents caused by drowsy drivers are far too common in Indiana. The results are often catastrophic for both victims and their families. Worst of all, these accidents are preventable.

At Vaughn Wamsley, we hold drivers responsible for accidents caused by their negligence. But more importantly, we fight for our clients to guide you through every aspect of your recovery while recovering the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been involved in a drowsy driving accident.