If you or a loved one was injured in a drowsy driving car accident in Boca Raton, our lawyers can help. Backed by years of hands-on experience, Accident Attorneys Boca Raton understands how to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Let our experience and knowledge work for you during this difficult time.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve, call our law offices today. We will fight strategically and tirelessly on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Understanding Drowsy Driving in Boca Raton
Drowsy driving is the term used to describe people who operate their vehicles while tired, fatigued, or sleepy. Drowsy or fatigued driving can happen for numerous reasons. For instance, drowsy driving can be caused by a lack of proper sleep, sleeping disorders, medication, alcohol, among other causes. Driving under this state can be extremely dangerous for the driver and their passengers, as well as other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
A fatigued driver may not be as alert as he or she would be in normal circumstances. The lack of alertness or attentiveness can be extremely dangerous. Drowsy drivers can fall asleep, react late to different events, and consequently cause an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 795 people died in the United States in 2017 due to drowsy driving. Furthermore, according to the NTHSA, 4,111 people lost their lives in the United States from 2013 to 2017 due to fatigue or drowsy driving. NHTSA has also stated that in 2017, there were 91,000 motor vehicle accidents caused by drowsy drivers. The consequences of drowsy driving accidents can be devastating. If you or a loved one sustained a severe injury due to the actions of a drowsy driver, we can help. Our Boca Raton drowsy-driving accident lawyer can provide you with quality legal representation.
Making Your Case After a Drowsy Driving Accident in Boca Raton
There are different things you need to take care of after being involved in a drowsy driving accident in Boca Raton. The first thing on your mind should be your safety and the safety of those around you. If you are physically able to, move your vehicle out of oncoming traffic. Check for the other driver and if he or she is safe from danger.
Call 9-11-11 as soon as you can. Calling the emergency number is critical after a crash. The 9-1-1 emergency system will send help to the accident site and will provide you with medical assistance. Obtaining medical attention is essential to discard any underlying physical issues that may develop soon after your accident.
Once you have been medically assessed and cleared, call the police and report the incident. Reporting the accident to law enforcement is essential to your case and any future proceedings related to it. The investigating officer will gather information from witnesses and parties involved in the accident. This should be the moment where you should provide the officer with detailed information about the crash. This information will be part of the officer’s report, which can help you in future proceedings.
If you are able, gather as much information as you can from the accident. One of the most effective ways you can demonstrate your losses is through visual evidence. Using your smartphone for video, photo, and audio can help you prove your case in court. Also, make sure to gather essential information from those who were involved in the crash. Keeping notes of things such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information can help you speed up your insurance claim process or claim in court.
It would be a great idea to retain the services of a skilled Boca Raton drowsy driving car accident attorney who understands how the personal injury claim process works. You can also have a better fighting chance of getting the compensation you deserve from the liable parties.
Personal Injury Claims in Boca Raton After a Drowsy Driving Car Accident
You may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries after a drowsy driving car accident in Boca Raton. Personal injury claims in car accident cases require the plaintiff to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent. You can show negligence by proving four main elements. It is always in your best interest to retain the services of a skilled drowsy driving car accident throughout this process.
Generally, the first thing you will need to show is a duty of care. All drivers have a responsibility to drive safely. This is something not only required by law, but it is also expected from prudent, reasonable people. You will need to demonstrate that the defendant owed you a duty to drive safely.
The second element you will need to show is a breach of duty. You may provide evidence showing the defendant was tired, sleepy, or drowsy while driving their vehicle. By providing such evidence, you can establish that the defendant breached their duty to drive safely.
The third element in your claim is causation. You will need to establish that there is a linking nexus between the defendant’s negligence and your accident and injuries. Your lawyer can prove this element through evidence. Finally, you will need to show the court that you suffered losses as a consequence of your accident (medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc.).
If you prove these elements, you may be able to obtain compensation. However, there are different elements to consider when evaluating compensation. Florida is a comparative negligence state. Under this doctrine, a plaintiff’s compensation can be reduced based on their own negligence. For instance, if you receive $100,000 in compensation or “damages” but were found 10% responsible for the accident, you will obtain $90,000.
Another element to consider is Florida’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the legal time you have to file your claim with the court. If you don’t file your claim during the allotted legal time, you risk the dismissal of your claim. Under Florida law, a plaintiff has up to four years from the moment of their accident to file their claim. Your Boca Raton drowsy driving car accident attorney can help you with this matter.
Boca Raton, FL Drowsy Driving Car Accident Lawyer Offering Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a negligent fatigued driver, we can help. We understand how difficult recovering from your injuries can be for you and your family. However, not everything is lost. Our Boca Raton drowsy driving car accident lawyers at Accident Attorneys Boca Raton can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. We will fight tirelessly and strategically to get the compensation you deserve after your accident. To schedule a free, confidential consultation today, get in touch.