Fatigued Driving Car Accidents in Maryland

Fatigued driving is a real danger that’s as serious as distracted or drunk driving. Operating a vehicle without getting enough rest can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and even cause the driver to fall asleep behind the wheel. In a state like Maryland, with a dense population and heavy traffic, that can be a recipe for disaster.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash caused by a fatigued driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Trollinger Law LLC or contact us online for a free consultation with a Maryland car accident lawyer. We’ll discuss your accident and outline all your legal options.

Statistics on Fatigue Driving Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated 91,000 police-reported fatigued driving accidents in one year. Those crashes resulted in injuries to 50,000 people and almost 800 deaths. The term “police-reported” is essential here because not every driver willingly admits to being tired after an accident, and proving the at-fault driver was fatigued at the time of the crash is not easy. The real numbers are quite possibly much higher.

The Maryland Department of Transportation reports an average of 1,060 injuries and 12 fatalities every year from fatigued driving car accidents. The state-funded Be the Driver – Who Saves Lives campaign seeks to educate drivers about this deadly yet preventable public health issue, but it remains an overlooked danger.

Why Are Maryland Drivers Exhausted?

The high number of fatigued drivers in Maryland might be the result of the following:

• Long commutes – Many Marylanders commute long distances to Baltimore, Washington D.C., and other areas for work five days a week or more. This not only means extended time on the road but also extra hours added to an already long workday.
• Overnight or rotating shifts – When those long commutes combine with unusual or extended hours, the odds of fatigued driving accidents increase significantly.
• Busy lives – Marylanders don’t tend to slow down during non-work hours. They have families, social lives, hobbies, and other responsibilities that can also eat into their much-needed sleep.
• Sleep disorders – Drivers with untreated sleep disorders are at significantly higher risk for car crashes caused by fatigue. Unfortunately, conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia are commonly undiagnosed.

Types of Accidents Caused by Fatigue

Fatigued driving car accidents can occur in various ways and for multiple reasons. Some of the most common include the following:

• Rear-end collisions – Fatigued drivers can easily fail to realize that traffic ahead is slowing or stopping, leading to a rear-end collision.
• Head-on collisions – Drivers can veer into oncoming traffic when they fall asleep at the wheel.
• Run-off-road crashes – Falling asleep at the wheel can also lead fatigued drivers to veer in the opposite direction and crash into trees, road signs, embankments, or pedestrians.
• Intersection accidents – Delayed reaction times can cause fatigued drivers to miss traffic lights and cause intersection accidents.

Maryland Laws and Fatigued Driving

In Maryland, fatigued driving is not a crime, but car accidents caused by fatigue can result in driver liability. The driver may be cited for negligent or reckless driving (a misdemeanor), and they may face greater criminal charges in cases of serious injury or death.

Under Maryland law, victims of fatigued driving car accidents also have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress caused by the collision. While there is no specific “fatigued driving” charge to prove the driver’s liability, an experienced car accident lawyer can build a strong case for their client by investigating the accident and gathering evidence.

Determining Liability for Fatigue-Related Crashes

Proving negligence in accidents caused by fatigue can be challenging, but there are ways to do it. Some of the most valuable evidence includes the following:

• Witness testimony – Passengers or other drivers may observe the driver falling asleep behind the wheel or appearing drowsy and act as a witness.
• Driver statements – Sometimes, a driver will admit in the police report that they were fatigued at the time of the accident.
• Dashcam footage – Dashboard cams can capture fatigued driving accidents as they happen and show proof of their cause.
• Security footage – Nearby security cameras may capture the accident and reveal the driver nodding off behind the wheel.
• Accident reconstruction – Reconstructing the accident scene can reveal its cause and potentially point to driver fatigue as a contributing factor.
• Medical records – If the driver has a diagnosed sleep disorder, it can support the conclusion that the accident was fatigue-related.

How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Can Help

An experienced car accident attorney can be your biggest asset as you seek compensation for your injuries caused by a fatigued driver. At Trollinger Law LLC, our car accident attorneys will:

• Offer legal guidance – Fatigued driving accidents can be complicated, and proving liability can be challenging. Our experienced car accident lawyers can assess your case and suggest a strategic course of action.
• Investigate the accident – Establishing liability is the key to your case. We will gather evidence, conduct interviews, and work with accident reconstruction analysts to show the other driver was at fault for the crash.
• Calculate the value of your losses – There are several different types of compensation you may be entitled to when seeking to hold the fatigued driver responsible for your injuries. Our attorneys will look at your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain, suffering, and emotional distress you endured to calculate your losses and seek maximum compensation.
• Negotiate with insurers and their lawyers – Insurance companies will attempt to pay you as little as possible. A seasoned car accident lawyer can fight to prevent them from denying you the compensation you deserve.
• Represent you in court – Sometimes a settlement cannot be reached, and your case will have to go to court. If it does, an experienced trial attorney will present a compelling case to the court explaining why you should be awarded the money you seek.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Maryland

If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you need a car accident lawyer in Maryland to fight for your right to fair compensation. Contact Trollinger Law LLC today. We have extensive experience with fatigued driving accidents, and we know all about the physical, emotional, and financial devastation they can cause. Our law firm offers free, no-obligation consultations, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.