Drowsy driving is dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 100,000 accidents involving drowsy driving are reported by law enforcement each year.
Drowsy driving crashes result in more than 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries each year. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicated that as many as 328,000 crashes are caused by drowsy driving every year.
If you have been hit by a driver who was asleep at the wheel, you aren’t alone.
Drivers are required to maintain auto insurance coverage. Many drivers only purchase the state required minimum insurance coverage. If the crash leads to severe damages, then the insurance coverage may not be enough to cover the costs.
In that case, you will have to continue the claim with your underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will pay for damages that aren’t covered by the at-fault driver’s policy.
What To Do If You Are Hit By An Underinsured Motorist Who Was Asleep At The Wheel
If you have been hit by an underinsured motorist who was asleep at the wheel, you should stay on the scene of the accident. Always call the police and have an accident report filed. The officer will investigate the crash, determine what happened and why it happened, and will determine preliminary fault for the crash.
This accident report is very beneficial when you pursue a personal injury claim for the damages that you sustained in the crash. Documentation is essential for a successful personal injury claim.
Take photos of the accident scene and of the damages that the vehicles suffered. If there were witnesses, ask them to provide written statements regarding what they saw.
You will also want them to provide you with their names and their contact details. Be sure to keep all supporting documentation, such as any towing bills, receipts for rental cars, written estimates for repairing your damaged vehicle, medical bills, medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, and anything else that might show your losses.
The more documentation you can gather, the more helpful it will be to your personal injury claim.
Damages Suffered When Hit By Underinsured Motorist Who Was Asleep At The Wheel
You will suffer a variety of damages in a car crash. You will need to be sure to include all your damages in your personal injury claim. Here are some of the more common damages suffered in a crash:
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages – past and future
- Property damages
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consult With A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by an underinsured motorist who was asleep at the wheel, you should enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys work on the contingency basis, which means your lawyer will not get paid until you win your claim.
You will not have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket. Schedule your free case review today!
