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The Dangers of Fatigued Driving in Maryland

Despite the recent push by the federal and state governments, fatigued driving remains a leading cause of Maryland car accidents. The dangers of drowsy driving are undisputed, even when a driver remains awake. Drivers who do not obtain enough sleep, or are otherwise drowsy, suffer from decreased attention span, increased reaction time, and compromised judgment. Of course, there is also the chance that a driver falls asleep behind the wheel, losing all control of the vehicle.

It is estimated that 21% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve a fatigued driver. Most often, a driver experienced fatigue due to a lack of sleep. However, intoxication, medication, and various medical conditions can also cause sleepiness. In almost all cases, a driver should be able to notice the effects of drowsiness setting in and should pull off the road when it is no longer safe to operate a motor vehicle.

When a drowsy driver causes a Maryland car accident, anyone injured as a result of the accident may be entitled to compensation through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. This includes passengers of the car being driven by the at-fault driver. However, establishing liability for a drowsy driving accident may not always be straightforward. Anyone considering filing a Maryland personal injury lawsuit should consult with a dedicated personal injury attorney.

Driver Falls Asleep and Crashes Into Toll Booth

Earlier this month, the driver of a white SUV crashed into a Florida toll booth. According to a local news report, the car was carrying a total of five passengers at the time of the collision. A video of the accident shows the car approaching the toll booth in broad daylight at what appears to be full speed. The SUV is shown crashing into the cement barrier separating two of the booths, then being sent into the air and landing nearly on its side.

Upon impact, one of the vehicle’s passengers was thrown from the vehicle, landing in a neighboring toll booth. Miraculously, the driver and all of the passengers survived with minor injuries that were treated at the scene.

Authorities released a video of the accident in an effort to educate the public about the dangers of fatigued driving. It was unclear whether the driver was cited in relation to the accident, but it would appear as though he was.

Have You Been Injured by a Negligent Driver?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland car accident that you believed was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a Maryland personal injury lawsuit. At the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent victims in cases against those responsible for their injuries. We are experienced in obtaining favorable settlement offers for our clients, and we will not hesitate to take a client’s case to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call 410-654-3600 today.

More Blog Posts:

Court Finds Used-Car Dealer May Be Liable for Plaintiffs’ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published June 4, 2018.

Plaintiff’s Case Dismissed Based on Misleading Testimony Regarding Previous Injuries, Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog, published May 16, 2018.

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