Our Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer Explains What to Do if You’re Hurt in a Head-on Collision With a Drowsy Driver
The hours and days after a head-on collision can be incredibly stressful. It can be confusing to figure out what steps to take after the accident, how to navigate the legal procedures, and what kind of compensation you might be entitled to. The good news is you don’t have to handle this alone. An experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer at Keller & Keller is here to help you every step of the way. Contact the award-winning legal team at Keller & Keller for a free initial visit to review your options.
Quick Facts About Head-on Collisions and Fatigued Driving
According to a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, about 328,000 accidents are caused each year by drowsy driving, and over 17 percent of those crashes are fatal. The National Safety Council reports that 1 out of 25 drivers admits to falling asleep at the wheel.
These statistics are significant because:
- Driving drowsy is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol in terms of reaction time and awareness.
- Fatigue is a common cause of dangerous head-on collisions.
Common Injuries That Can Result From a Head-on Collision
Sleepy driving is an extremely dangerous driving behavior, and resulting head-on collisions can cause severe injuries, including:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions, head trauma, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Blunt force trauma
- Fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Scarring, deformity, or disfigurement
- Whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders (WADs)
- Chest injuries
- Facial injury and damage to the teeth or jaw
- Burns
4 Things to Do After a Head-on Collision With a Tired Driver
Being in a head-on collision with a tired driver can be physically and emotionally traumatic, but there are a few things that you can do to help protect yourself after the crash.
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Seek Medical Assistance Right Away
Even if you don’t feel your injuries are serious, seek medical attention immediately. You may have hidden injuries, internal organ damage, or other issues that a medical exam or additional testing can reveal. Prompt medical care may also support your legal claim for accident compensation.
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Note All Details You Can Recall Regarding the Head-on Collision
Write down details from before or after the accident. These could include details on the speed you were going, time of day or night, what lane you were in, weather conditions, if you noticed anything unusual about the other driver’s behavior, and any other information.
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Contact Your Insurance Company
Even when the other driver is at fault, it’s critical that you report the incident to protect your rights.
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Seek Legal Counsel From an Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer
Having an experienced Indianapolis car crash attorney on your side can help. Not only does the legal team at Keller & Keller know the specific laws for Indiana accidents, but we have also fought for real results in similar cases. For example, in a case in Michigan involving a head-on accident caused by a tired driver, the resulting compensation was $2.8 million.
The statute of limitations in Indiana for filing a personal injury claim is two years. However, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Determining if a Tired Driver Caused the Head-on Crash
While proving the crash was caused by a sleepy driver can be challenging, your attorney can uncover evidence of someone driving while tired. An experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyer can gather evidence such as:
- Medical records showing chronic conditions such as narcolepsy or sleep apnea
- Short-term illnesses like colds or flu that cause fatigue
- Medications that cause drowsiness
- Evidence of working long shifts, unusual hours, or multiple jobs that would show fatigue
- Activity levels that could contribute to driving while tired (i.e., attending work and school full-time)
- Eyewitness testimony that the driver was tired
- Crash-scene analysis
Compensation You May Be Eligible for After a Head-on Collision With a Tired Driver
If you’ve been in a head-on accident with a sleepy driver, you may be eligible for compensation like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional injuries
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced lawyer can help walk you through the process, gather evidence to determine that the driver was tired, negotiate with insurance companies, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court if needed. In short, we’ll do everything we can to fight for the compensation you deserve.
