Can A Driver With A Sleep Disorder Be Found Liable For An Auto Accident?
Nobody wants to fall asleep while driving. Unfortunately, some motorists suffer from sleep disorders and fall asleep behind the wheel. When this happens, the motorist might lose control and crash into your vehicle. You must prove that the other driver fell asleep and caused the accident to avoid being stuck with medical bills.
Sleep Disorders That Can Lead to Accidents
Various sleep disorders can lead to auto accidents. These include sleep anemia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and periodic limb movement disorder. If the driver causes your accident, they will be liable regardless of whether they suffer from the condition or not.
Drivers are responsible for the accidents that they cause. Also, if a driver knows they cannot safely operate a vehicle because of their condition, they must avoid driving the car.
How a Sleep Disorder Can Affect Your Case
If you can prove that the driver fell asleep behind the wheel, you'll have an easier time proving liability and will be more likely to settle with their auto insurance provider. Witnesses who saw the driver fall asleep behind the wheel can testify on your behalf. However, you should exchange contact information because you might otherwise lose contact with them.
Gathering Evidence
Make sure to take photographs of the scene of the accident. Any evidence you discover is more valuable than you think. For example, even the road nearby the location of the accident can be helpful because the lack of skid marks can be used as evidence that the driver did not brake. This indicates that the driver was asleep right before the collision and was only awakened by the crash.
There might be other indications that the driver fell asleep in the vehicle. These can include stimulants and medications that may indicate that the motorist suffers from a sleep disorder. When the police arrive at the accident scene, they might investigate what caused the accident. They might discover that the driver fell asleep during the accident and may include this in the police report.
Seeking Compensation
After the accident, you will need to work with an auto accident attorney who will help you build a strong case for why you deserve compensation for your injuries based on the evidence. Then, you can begin negotiating a settlement by issuing a demand letter. This document will request payment for the damages you have suffered so that you can start the negotiation process based on the facts of the case. Then, you will be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
For more information, contact an auto accident attorney near you.