Driver Impairment - Sleep Deprivation

Studies have consistently shown that sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than well-rested drivers. The New Hampshire motor vehicle code imposes a duty on all drivers to drive responsibly at all times. Drivers who breach the duty to drive safely by driving while drowsy should be held accountable for any damages that they cause. If you were injured in a collision caused by sleep deprivation, you should meet with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the compensation that you may be owed. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our New Hampshire car accident lawyers offer more than 60 years of combined experience helping New Hampshire residents pursue damages. Our seasoned attorneys can assess the circumstances regarding your accident and help you develop a strong argument for why the responsible party should be held liable for your harm.

One of the biggest dangers caused by tired drivers is the possibility that they will fall asleep at the wheel. While it is obvious that falling asleep while driving can have disastrous consequences, drivers who are not well rested also can pose serious risks to other people, even if they stay awake. Lack of sleep can cause delayed reaction time, diminished alertness, poor judgment, and problems concentrating. A driver may be tired due to insufficient sleep or a sleep disorder. Drowsiness can also be caused by certain medications or alcohol. Additionally, drivers who have jobs that require long shifts or fluctuate between day and night work may not get enough sleep.

Most injured parties who pursue damages in a New Hampshire car accident lawsuit argue that the defendant driver’s negligence caused the accident, and therefore, the injured party should be able to recover compensation from the driver. In New Hampshire, to effectively show that a sleep-deprived driver should be held accountable under a theory of negligence, you must show that he or she owed you a duty to drive safely under the given circumstances, he or she breached the duty by driving while sleep-deprived, and the breach caused the accident. You must also prove that any injuries or financial losses that you allegedly sustained were caused by the accident.

A driver defending against a negligence claim may attempt to avoid liability by arguing that something other than his or her negligence caused the accident. Even if other forces combined with the driver’s negligence in causing the accident, you may still be able to recover damages if you can show that the accident would not have happened if the driver did not negligently drive while sleep-deprived, and the act of driving while sleep-deprived substantially contributed to bringing about the accident. An experienced car accident attorney can obtain information through eyewitness accounts and deposition testimony to support the argument that the accident would not have occurred if the driver had not operated his or her car while tired, and therefore, the driver should be found liable for any harm caused.

Car accidents caused by tired drivers can cause significant losses. If you suffered harm in a car accident caused by a sleep-deprived driver, there are a variety of damages that you may be able to recover. The driver who caused the accident may owe you compensation for any property damage caused by the accident. You may also be eligible to recover the cost of any medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident and the cost of any treatment that you likely will need in the future. If you were forced to take time off from work after the accident, you may be able to recover damages for any wages lost. Additionally, if your injuries permanently diminished your ability to earn an income, you can seek compensation for the loss of your earning potential.

Sleep-deprived drivers should be held liable for any harm that they cause to others. If you were injured in an accident caused by sleep deprivation, the attorneys at Peter Thompson and Associates can help you pursue the compensation that you may be owed. We have the knowledge and experience to assist victims in developing persuasive arguments that a driver should be held liable for their damages. Our skillful representation has helped us compile a record of successful outcomes. Our offices are located in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, and we represent clients throughout New Hampshire. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or via our online form to schedule a meeting.