Plantation Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer
Injured by a Tired Driver in Florida? Let Us Handle Your Injury Claim
Fatigued drivers can wreak havoc on Florida’s roads and highways. Instead of pulling over and taking a break, drowsy drivers often choose to get behind the wheel, causing car accidents that involve other vehicles, as well as cyclists or pedestrians. In some cases, these tired drivers fall asleep at the wheel and slam into other cars, often at high speed, causing serious injuries and severe vehicle damage.
When these accidents occur, you must take immediate action to hold drowsy drivers accountable for their actions. Otherwise, evidence might disappear or be destroyed. And without facts supporting your case, you might not get the money you need to pay for your accident-related expenses, which can add up fast in such cases.
Our Florida drowsy driving accident attorneys at Personal Injury Legal Solutions in Plantation understand the seriousness and the urgency of your accident. That’s why we want to help. Our firm has over 40 years of experience handling serious car accident cases throughout Florida. Whether the at-fault driver admits to being tired or denies any wrongdoing, we know how to investigate, document evidence, and demand the compensation you deserve from insurance companies.
How common are drowsy driving accidents in Florida?
Florida’s drowsy driving crashes occur more frequently than most people realize. According to official data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 6,700 drowsy-driving crashes reported across the state in 2023 alone. Many of those crashes resulted in serious injuries or deaths.
- In 2023, FLHSMV recorded 6,786 drowsy-driving crashes in Florida
- 2,483 of those crashes caused injuries.
- 14 people were killed in drowsy driving accidents statewide.
- Many more cases likely go unreported or misclassified since many drivers deny falling asleep at the wheel.
Fatigued driving is especially dangerous because the symptoms – like nodding off, drifting between lanes, or missing traffic signals – can mimic drunk driving. If you were injured in a crash involving a tired driver, your case deserves close attention and an aggressive legal response.
What makes drowsy driving so dangerous?
The primary reasons why collisions caused by drowsy or sleeping drivers are so dangerous are that these drivers often fail to react before crashing into another vehicle. As a result, these tired drivers often crash at high speed into other cars.
Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction time, impairs a person’s ability to react, make decisions, and maintain control of their vehicle. Even a brief “microsleep” lasting a few seconds can be enough to cause a catastrophic collision. The risk increases during late-night and early-morning hours when drivers are most likely to fall asleep.
- Drowsy drivers may fall asleep without warning.
- Fatigue reduces alertness, focus, and coordination.
- Reaction times slow dramatically, similar to drunk driving.
- Tired drivers often fail to brake or swerve before impact, especially in head-on collisions or high-speed rear-end crashes.
The consequences of these crashes can be devastating, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Victims often suffer from life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or broken bones.
How can you prove the other driver was fatigued?
Unlike a DUI case, there’s no breath test for fatigue, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prove the driver was too tired to be behind the wheel. Our attorneys know how to gather the right evidence and build a persuasive case that tells the full story of what really happened.
- Witness statements may confirm erratic driving behavior.
- Lack of skid marks by the other car, a tell-tale sign that the driver was asleep.
- Police crash reports often document signs of fatigue.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage may show the driver nodding off or veering into another lane.
- Cell phone and travel data can help reconstruct the driver’s timeline.
We also often consult accident reconstruction experts and dig deep into the facts of your case. If the driver had a long shift, worked overnight, or was driving long distances without rest, we’ll uncover that information and use it as evidence in support of your injury claim.
Who pays for a drowsy driving accident in Florida?
Under Florida law, you may need to turn to your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance first for initial medical expenses and replacement income, regardless of fault. But when another driver is responsible for the crash, you have the right to pursue additional compensation through a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Your PIP insurance covers medical bills and lost income up to your policy limit, which is normally $10,000.
- The drowsy driver’s insurance may be liable for your remaining damages, a legal term for compensation for financial losses in a negligence case.
- You can sue the driver for pain and suffering, lost income, and other financial losses.
- If the driver was on the job, their employer may also be held liable, meaning the company is legally responsible for paying for your accident.
Our attorneys will identify every available path to compensation, including any applicable uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and other possible funding sources. We understand how the system works and know how to maximize the value of your case.
Our drowsy driving accident lawyers will stand up for you
A tired driver made a dangerous choice – and now you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath. Knowing what to do next can be confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we’re ready to take on your case and demand accountability from the at-fault party.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. We build strong, evidence-based claims that focus on one goal: recovering the full compensation you deserve.
Learn more about your legal options after your drowsy driving accident. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation right now. We’ve helped injured Floridians for decades. We know how to gather evidence, challenge insurance companies, and successfully fight for justice.