Driving while exhausted can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, but drowsy driving remains a widespread problem in Kansas City. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and, in severe cases, may actually fall asleep at the wheel.
When drowsy drivers cause accidents, the results are often catastrophic due to the lack of any attempt to brake or avoid a collision. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drowsy driver, you have the right to pursue legal action.
Your Legal Options After a Drowsy Driving Accident in Kansas City
When a drowsy driver injures you in Kansas City, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for the losses that you sustained. Get in contact with a Kansas City car accident attorney to find out your options depending on which side of Kansas City the accident occurred:
- Missouri follows a fault-based system, meaning the negligent driver bears financial responsibility for your damages. You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver directly.
- Kansas operates under a no-fault system. Your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage helps pay for certain damages, regardless of fault. However, if you sustain severe injuries, you can step outside of the no-fault system and file a claim against the driver.
Causes of Drowsy Driving in Kansas City
You should always be alert and well-rested when you get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, life does not always allow for adequate sleep, and we often travel alongside exhausted motorists without realizing it.
Some of the reasons that people drive while drowsy include:
- Shift Work and Long Hours: Many Kansas City workers in healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and other industries work irregular schedules that disrupt natural sleep patterns.
- Sleep Disorders: Undiagnosed or untreated conditions like sleep apnea prevent drivers from getting proper rest, leaving them chronically exhausted even after spending adequate time in bed.
- Medication Side Effects: Prescription drugs for anxiety, depression, allergies, and pain management can cause significant drowsiness that impairs driving ability for hours after taking them.
- Commercial Driver Pressures: Truck drivers and delivery personnel face pressure to meet tight deadlines. This pressure often leads drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations, which are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Fatigued
To secure compensation in a drowsy driving accident claim, you will need to prove that the driver’s negligence caused your accident. Proving that a driver was fatigued can be a complex process, but there are several pieces of evidence that you can leverage.
For example, police reports may contain statements about the driver being tired or falling asleep. Witness testimony can reveal erratic driving behavior before the crash, such as drifting between lanes or sudden jerking movements.
Cell phone records, GPS data, and vehicle computer systems can reveal driving patterns and evidence of fatigue. Medical records may also reveal whether the driver has a sleep disorder or regularly takes medications that cause drowsiness. A specialized Kansas City personal injury attorney can help you gather this evidence and build a compelling case for compensation.
Injured by a Drowsy Driver? We Can Help
Fatigue impairs drivers as significantly as alcohol, but motorists still engage in this risky behavior. Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe has spent years holding these negligent drivers accountable, and our firm will fight for your right to justice. We will examine work schedules, medical records, and driving patterns to demonstrate when fatigue caused your accident. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 to discuss your case with attorneys who can effectively prove drowsy driving liability.