Sleep Disturbances and Auto Accidents

According to a published study, individuals who have trouble sleeping are more prone to car accidents than those who sleep normally. These drivers present a huge safety risk to other motorists and themselves.

A Look at the Numbers

The research was conducted by a team of European academics and the results were published in the Journal of Sleep Research. Their findings suggest that people who suffer from sleep disturbances are likely to be involved in accidents of all types, including car accidents. The study focused on those with sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleep apnea. Of those surveyed:

• More than 20 percent reported having an in-home accident in the past year;
• Nearly one in ten reported falling asleep behind the wheel at least once in the same time period; and
• More than 4 percent reported at least one car accident in a year caused by sleepiness.

Those who were employed outside the home, as well as men with sleep disturbances, had higher rates of car accidents. Besides the lack of sleep that those who suffer sleep disturbances experience, this group is also likely to take pharmaceutical sleep aids that can make one drowsy at unexpected times.

Insomniacs Are Not the Only Danger

Even if you do not suffer a medical condition, simply not getting enough sleep can lead to an increased risk of car accidents. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that drivers who got only five or six hours of sleep in a 24-hour period are two times as likely to get into a car accident as a motorist who got seven or more hours.

How Can an Attorney Help Your Case

Being in a car accident that was not your fault means that you should not have to pay for any medical bills or property damage. It also means that you should be compensated for all your losses, including pain and suffering and time off work.

You may think that the insurance company is being reasonable with you, but that judgment call is best made by someone with years of experience in car accident litigation. Our team can review your case and argue on your behalf on the issues of liability and the extent of your injuries.

Contact a Seasoned Personal Injury Lawyer

At Janoff Law, we aggressively represent the rights of those injured on the road. Before you accept an insurance settlement, you should consult with a lawyer to make sure that you are being fully compensated. The insurance company has a team of lawyers and highly-trained adjustors. You need someone on your side with the same amount of skill and knowledge. Contact an experienced San Jose car accident lawyer to get the help you need today. Call 408-286-2300 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24237855

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dsdrowsydriving/

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/12/06/504448639/drivers-beware-crash-rate-spikes-with-every-hour-of-lost-sleep