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Drowsy Drivers
Bhatt Law Group has a team of experienced car accident injury lawyers serving New Jersey with personalized, compassionate care. These attorneys have decades of combined experience in helping individuals who have been hurt in car crashes. Unfortunately, many car accident victims suffer injuries in crashes caused by drowsy drivers or those behind the wheel while fatigued.
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Driving While Fatigued
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that people driving while drowsy or fatigued led to 72,000 crashes during 2013 alone. That same year, 44,000 people were injured and another 800 killed because of drowsy driving. It is believed that those numbers are low estimates and that as many as 6,000 more crashes each year are caused by drowsy drivers. Drowsy driving is a serious problem in the United States. It comes with dangers and risks and can lead to tragic results. Drivers should not get behind the wheel when sleepy or fatigued.
When a driver has not slept enough or has driven too long, or when he or she does shift work, has been drinking, takes medications that cause drowsiness, or has untreated sleep disorders, the risk is real. Scientists have been unable to determine when sleep comes over an individual’s body, but falling asleep at the wheel can be life-threatening. Even just being sleepy when driving can impact a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drowsiness impacts drivers in many ways.
Drowsiness can cause:
- Slower reaction time when an individual must brake or steer suddenly.
- Impact the driver’s ability to make good decisions.
- Makes a driver not as alert to paying attention to the road.
Facts About Driving While Drowsy
The numbers for driving while drowsy are alarming. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 1 out of every 25 adults drivers ages 18 and older report having fallen asleep while they were driving during the last 30 days. When you add that to the NHTSA statistics for accidents caused by driving while fatigued, there is a real risk anytime someone gets on the road.
Who Are Drowsy Drivers?
Those who are more likely to drive while drowsy include those who fail to get enough sleep, commercial truckers who operate semis, buses or tow trucks and those who work the night shift or extra long shifts. Those who have untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea where one stops and starts breathing repeatedly, are also much more likely to drive while fatigued. Also, those who have consumed alcohol or who take medications that might cause drowsiness are more likely to be involved in an accident caused by drowsy driving.
What Are The Warnings Of Drowsy Driving?
- Missing your exit or turn off.
- Drifting out of your lane.
- Yawning
- Frequent blinking.
- Hitting a rumble strip alongside the road.
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles you have driven.
If you notice these warning signs, either change drivers or take a break and rest. Do not continue driving while drowsy.
After A New Jersey Drowsy Driving Crash
If you were injured because another driver was driving while drowsy, you have suffered a variety of damages. Some of the more common damages suffered in a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earnings
- Future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Disabilities
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
Drowsy driving is a leading cause of New Jersey car accidents. If you have been injured in a car crash caused by a drowsy driver, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. Schedule a free case evaluation with the Bhatt Law Group today by calling (201) 798-8000.
Recent Settlements
$2,300,000 Settlement
Our client’s car was t-boned by a commercial vehicle. As a result, she required multiple lumbar spine surgeries. Bhatt Law Group immediately filed a lawsuit and retained experts. Prior to trial and after several depositions, we were able to obtain a settlement on behalf of our client.
$2,000,000 Settlement
Our client’s vehicle rolled over several times after being side-swiped by an 18 wheeler. This resulted in significant injuries to his neck and back. Client was unable to return to work because of his injuries. The insurance company contested the liability but after filing suit, serving discovery, and taking depositions, Bhatt Law Group was able to settle this case.
$1,750,000 Settlement
Our client was struck by a car that was attempting to make an illegal u-turn. This resulted in significant damage to our client’s car and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Our client required both back and knee surgery and physical therapy.
$1,300,000 Settlement
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to her spine.
$950,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was struck by a motor vehicle when crossing the street. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a fractured leg and injuries to her back. This was a difficult liability case but the settlement was obtained as a result of strong settlement negotiations.
$825,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he slipped and fell on ice. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a broken ankle.
$375,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when he was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Jersey City. The liability insurance carrier argued low impact with minimal property damage and our client’s age to minimize the extent of his damages. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to his neck and back resulting in multiple injections including a two level lumbar fusion and discectomy surgery. This settlement was the result of strategic preparation and strong settlement negotiations.
$100,000 Settlement
Our client was injured when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maplewood. The claim had its complexities due to the claimant’s ongoing health issues, prior accident history and age. As a result of the subject accident, our client sustained an aggravation of injuries to her neck, back and right shoulder resulting in a one level discectomy with instrumentation. The bodily insurance carrier tendered its insured’s policy limits prior to the two year statute of limitations and without extensive litigation.
$75,000 Settlement
Multi-motor vehicle accident involving our client who suffered back injuries requiring injections.
* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Your Personal Injury Team
When someone’s negligence causes you or a loved one serious injury, you deserve justice. Our team of personal injury lawyers at Bhatt Law Group is here to help you obtain the maximum available compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and other losses. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured people throughout New Jersey.
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When you’ve been charged with a crime or a traffic offense in New Jersey, you need a dedicated team of lawyers who will fight your charge aggressively. At Bhatt Law Group, our criminal defense team is made up of skilled and experienced trial attorneys, including a former prosecutor, who will work hard to get you the best possible outcome for your case.
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Client Stories
Renee
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Renee was involved in a T-bone accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to go above and beyond to help Renee after her accident.
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Drupaj
Drupaj was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Drupaj and was by his side through the entire process.
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Jocelyn
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Tatyana
Tatyana was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Tatyana and exceeded her expectations.
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Stephanie
Stephanie was involved in a rear end car accident. Hear how Bhatt Law Group was able to help Stephanie by exceeding her expectations.
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