It is essential that a driver has the proper amount of rest when they get behind the wheel. Studies show that fatigued driving can be every bit as dangerous as drunk driving, although it does not get the same amount of attention. Sleep apnea can keep motorists from getting the rest that they need to be alert and safe on the road. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that interferes with one’s ability to properly rest. When one has sleep apnea, they often stop breathing while they are sleeping. Sleep apnea results in lighter sleep than one would otherwise get without the condition. Not only does sleep apnea interfere with rest, but it can also cause other serious health conditions.
There are two primary types of sleep apnea:
- Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles to breathe.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is when the throat muscles relax, and airflow into the lungs is blocked.
The latter is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it is also the most dangerous as far as driving is concerned.
The Effects of Sleep Apnea on Drivers
When one is not able to sleep, they do not have their full range of reflexes. They may be unable to fully concentrate because of the lack of rest. When it comes to driving, a motorist may be less able to respond to challenges on the roadway. Furthermore, the fact that they may not have properly slept could increase the likelihood that they fall asleep behind the wheel. Drivers need to be as sharp as possible under all circumstances, but a lack of sleep could reduce their effectiveness and make them more dangerous.
One study shows that drivers who have sleep apnea are two and a half times more likely to be involved in an accident than those who do not. It is essential that people with sleep apnea receive treatment for a number of reasons, not the least being the reduction of car accident risk. Drivers who receive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for at least four hours per night reduce their risk of a car accident by approximately 70%.
The Dangers of Fatigued Driving
If a driver has not slept for 20 or more hours, it is the functional equivalent of driving right at the legal limit for intoxication. Even if a driver has gotten sleep, their overall fatigue could raise the risk of an accident. When a driver is tired, they may experience the following effects:
- Drifting out of their lane
- Not being able to see as well because their eyes are tired
- Slowed response to challenges around them on the roadway
- Inability to maintain a steady speed
- Difficulty focusing on the road
- Getting microsleep, which means nodding off for a few seconds at a time
Financial Compensation for a Fatigued Driving Accident
If you have been injured in an accident with a fatigued driver, you do not have to prove that they were tired to qualify for financial compensation. All you need to do is demonstrate that they were negligent, and you can prove that from their actions. Of course, it could help your case if you are able to show that they were tired, although it is not a prerequisite to qualifying for a settlement. A car accident lawyer could conduct a full investigation of the circumstances of the crash to establish your legal right to compensation.
Contact the Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC for Help with Your Case
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash, get legal help from the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. You can schedule a free initial consultation by calling us today at 215-569-8488 or submitting our online form. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, and proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.