Drowsy driving is a common issue in Las Vegas that puts motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians at risk.
When a driver operates a vehicle while suffering from drowsiness or fatigue, his or her physical and cognitive skills are impaired.
This can lead to serious car accidents, catastrophic injuries and deaths.
If you have been injured in a car accident where you suspect the other driver of dozing off behind the wheel, contact Edward Bernstein & Associates for a free consultation with a knowledgeable car accident attorney in Las Vegas.
We can investigate your crash, gather evidence against the drowsy driver and help you seek justice for your injuries and losses.
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The Ed Bernstein Advantage in Las Vegas Drowsy Driving Cases
- We have a proven track record of success in Nevada personal injury law. Our attorneys have secured over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for clients.
- Our team lawyers can provide a comprehensive investigation and expert witnesses to prove and strengthen your drowsy driving case.
- There are no fees unless we win your case. We do not charge unless our client’s case leads to financial compensation.
The Hidden Danger of Drowsy Driving in Las Vegas
Drivers in Las Vegas may push themselves to keep driving even while experiencing symptoms of fatigue.
Drowsy driving is especially common among career drivers, such as long-haul truckers and rideshare drivers, due to pressure from their jobs.
Alarming Statistics of Fatigue-Related Crashes in Nevada
Drowsy driving is a common crash risk that has been documented widely across the United States.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving took 633 lives in 2023. Statistics are often skewed, however, because it is difficult for the police to confirm drowsy driving when the driver does not survive the crash.
Although statistics are not specifically available for drowsy driving car accidents in Nevada, other crash categories often include driver fatigue.
For example, Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts reported that 51 percent of Nevada’s total traffic fatalities involved impaired driving. This can include drowsy driving in addition to drug and alcohol impairment.
Understanding Drowsy Driving Accidents in Nevada
Drowsy driving is a dangerous act that describes an individual operating a motor vehicle while tired or fatigued. This state of being can adversely affect driving capabilities, including reflexes and reaction times.
Common Causes of Driver Fatigue in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a particularly high risk of drowsy driving due to the nature of the city.
With many restaurants, bars, casinos and clubs open late, it is common for fatigued drivers to get behind the wheel. Shift work and the 24/7 casino industry increase the odds of drowsy driving among workers.
Long-distance trucking on the I-15 corridor is another drowsy driving accident risk local to Clark County.
Finally, drivers taking certain prescription medications or struggling with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, create an increased risk of drowsy driving accidents in Las Vegas.
Signs and Evidence of Drowsy Driving
It can be difficult to determine whether the other driver involved in your crash was falling asleep behind the wheel.
Short of the driver confessing, you may not know where to look for evidence proving drowsiness. A qualified car accident attorney can help you identify and prove driver fatigue.
Critical Evidence Your Las Vegas Attorney Will Collect
When you hire a drowsy driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas, he or she will analyze and gather crash scene evidence to help prove driver fatigue. Examples include:
- Photographs of a lack of skid marks on the road, showing that the other driver did not hit the brakes.
- Statements from witnesses who saw the driver swerving or drifting prior to the crash.
- Videos of the car accident from traffic or surveillance cameras, if available.
- The drowsy driver’s work and sleep history, as documented by event data recorders or paperwork.
- The other driver’s medical records showing a history of sleep disorders or medications that may cause drowsiness.
- A police report describing the driver’s behaviors at the crash scene or an officer’s opinion that the at-fault driver was showing signs of exhaustion.
Signs that the other driver was drowsy include erratic braking and accelerating, inconsistent speeds before the accident, physical signs of exhaustion, and appearing disoriented.
If you notice any indicators at the scene, contact a drowsy driving accident lawyer about a potential case.
Compensation Available for Las Vegas Drowsy Driving Victims
Evidence of drowsy driving can provide proof of negligence, meaning that the at-fault driver behaved in a way that a reasonably prudent person would not have in the same circumstances.
Negligence gives an injured victim the right to recover financial compensation from the drowsy driver’s insurance carrier in Las Vegas.
A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit for a drowsy driving crash could result in payment for the following:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Property damage repairs or vehicle replacement costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain, suffering and quality of life damages
- Punitive damages in severe negligence cases
The potential value of your drowsy driving accident case will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, how much the crash has impacted your life and livelihood, the cost of your medical expenses, any comparative fault assigned to you, and the insurance coverage available.
Nevada Statute of Limitations for Drowsy Driving Accidents
In Nevada, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within at least two years of the date of the harmful event or discovery.
This is the state’s general time limit for most personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents. However, special circumstances may shorten or extend the filing window.
Consult with a drowsy driving accident lawyer in Las Vegas as soon as possible to file in a timely manner.
Take Action After a Las Vegas Drowsy Driving Accident
Recovering from a drowsy driving car accident in Las Vegas can be a long and difficult process.
Get the help you deserve by contacting Edward Bernstein & Associates as soon as possible after your crash.
We can take immediate steps to protect your rights, such as conducting a comprehensive investigation of your accident to collect important evidence while it is still available.
Our lawyers have years of experience specifically handling fatigue-related accident cases.
Our attorneys can help you overcome challenges that may be involved in your case, such as proving fatigue or countering insurance company tactics used to reduce your payout.
To learn more about how we can help you recover from a drowsy driving crash, call (702) 240-0000 for a free case consultation in Las Vegas.