Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer
A car accident attorney who gets results
Too many drivers get behind the wheel when they have not had enough sleep. They don’t think of it as a problem, but there is such a thing as being too tired to drive. When people are fatigued, they aren’t able to drive safely. Every year, drowsy driving causes car accidents that leave people seriously hurt.
If you were injured in a fatigued driving crash in Millburn or anywhere in Essex or Union counties, The Leigh Law Firm, P.C. can help. New Jersey car accident attorney David Leigh is dedicated to helping the injured hold negligent parties accountable and recover the financial compensation they deserve.
The dangers of falling asleep at the wheel
Fatigued drivers have trouble staying focused on driving and don’t pay as much attention to the road. Their reaction times are affected, making it more difficult for them to brake or steer quickly if needed. Their judgment is also affected and they have trouble making good decisions behind the wheel.
Drowsy driving is not only dangerous – it’s against the law in New Jersey. Enacted in 2003, Maggie’s Law officially recognizes fatigued driving as reckless driving. If an accident caused by a driver who hadn’t slept in 24 hours results in fatal injuries, the driver can be charged with vehicular homicide. The law was named after a college student who was killed by a fatigued driver in 1997.
But every year, people still drive despite a lack of sleep. A tired driver may be unable to stop in time to prevent a rear-end accident. Another may fall asleep at the wheel and veer into the other lane, causing a head-on collision. Fatigued drivers may fail to notice a stop sign or red light and cause an intersection accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates there are tens of thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths caused by drowsy driving throughout the country each year.
Falling asleep at the wheel can have devastating consequences
The lives of people injured in drowsy driving accidents can change in seconds. Their injuries may require surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy, and multiple follow-up appointments with doctors. They may need home medical equipment and home health care. It can take months or longer to recover from their injuries. Some are left with permanent disabilities.
If a drowsy driver caused an accident that left you injured, you deserve financial compensation. But the claims process can be complicated. Negligent drivers deny being fatigued and may even blame you for what happened.
A car accident lawyer who will deal with the insurance company
Insurance companies are supposed to help, but they are mostly concerned with finding ways to pay you as little as possible. Attorney Leigh used to represent the insurance companies in cases like this. He knows how adjusters approach these claims and what it takes to successfully fight back with a winning case.
First, attorney Leigh wants to hear from you about the accident and how your injuries have impacted your life. Then he can guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Attorney Leigh is not afraid to put in the hard work that’s needed to help you recover compensation. We investigate your accident to look for evidence that the other driver was fatigued at the time of the crash. Attorney Leigh carefully reviews accident reports and interviews witnesses.
He also determines the total damages you have suffered. You may be able to recover compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to your injury, lost wages if you couldn’t work, and other damages such as pain and suffering.
We’re ready to fight for your rights
Insurance companies may try to limit your compensation by questioning the seriousness of your injuries or arguing that they were pre-existing. They may offer you a quick settlement that falls far short of covering all the damages you suffered. It’s just a way for them to save money. We think you deserve better.
Attorney Leigh is a skilled and experienced negotiator who is often able to reach a settlement that meets your needs. But if the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, he will fight for you in court.
If you were hurt in a crash involving a drowsy driver, it’s important to get legal advice from an attorney as soon as you can. New Jersey law gives you two years from the date of your accident to take legal action. But the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will be lost and the memories of witnesses will fade.
You may not be sure if you have a case. That’s why we offer a free consultation. Attorney Leigh can review the details of what happened, go over your options, and answer your questions. There’s no cost and no obligation. Contact us today to discuss your situation with an experienced car accident lawyer.