Drowsy Driving Suspected in Merced Car Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. A driver reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and caused a multi-vehicle accident near Merced on August 1, 2018. At approximately 3:00 in the afternoon, a driver of a white Lexus sedan was traveling westbound along Yosemite Avenue when they allowed their vehicle to veer across all lanes of traffic. The Lexus later struck an eastbound Lincoln SUV moments before colliding with a white Dodge Durango, causing that Dodge to overturn as a result. The Lexus driver and four occupants of the Lincoln SUV were uninjured in the crash while the driver and child of the Dodge were transported to an area hospital as a safety precaution for possible injuries.
What is Drowsy Driving?
The combination of driving and fatigue or sleepiness is known as drowsy driving. This usually occurs when a motorist does not receive enough rest, works for extended periods of time, or suffers from an untreated sleep disorder. Medication use and alcohol consumption have also been attributed to causing drowsy driving due to their side effects.
Signs of Drowsy Driving
The most frightening aspect of drowsiness is that a driver may not be aware when fatigue takes over their body. Sleepiness can affect a driver’s ability to pay attention to the road as well as their reaction time and decision-making skills. Additionally, drowsiness can present itself through the following signs and symptoms when driving:
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty focusing
- Eyelids feel puffy or heavy
- Following too closely behind another car
- Irritability
- Lane drifting while driving
- Missing road exits
- Problems focusing on the road
- Restlessness
- Veering onto rumble strips
- Yawning
Drowsy Driving Accidents in California
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), approximately 6,390 traffic collisions resulting in 47 deaths were caused by drowsy driving in 2016. This number accounts as an overall increase of nearly 10 percent over the previous year with 5,810 car accidents and 43 resulting fatalities.
Injuries from Drowsy Driving Accidents
Any type of motor vehicle accident can result in serious injuries. They may range from bone fractures to more debilitating injuries such as abdominal trauma, brain and head injuries and spinal cord damage. When an individual suffers injuries in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver, an experienced personal injury attorney in Merced can make the difference in going over the case and explaining what rights that individual has. If adequate compensation is not provided by insurance companies involved in the matter, an attorney can also assist in preparing a strong case with substantial facts and evidence to demand fair compensation for damages incurred.
Car Accident Lawyer in Merced
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Drowsy drivers cause thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year. Their negligent actions can lead to car accidents that leave others with physical and emotional damages in addition to mounting medical bills, time lost from work and other associated expenses. If a drowsy driver has caused serious injuries to you or your loved one, I am here to provide you with free, friendly legal advice on your situation. Contact me any time at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
Since 1982, I have assisted residents of Merced and surrounding areas in obtaining fair compensation for their cases of traumatic injury and wrongful death.
Reviews and ratings by my former clients and peers may be read here:
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. This forum consists of trial attorneys who have won a verdict or reached a settlement worth $1 million or more for a client.
Please feel free to browse our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image :ab
:ds [cs 623] cv