The Dangers of Drowsy, Distracted, and Drunk Driving

 Posted on August 21, 2024 in Car Accidents

Besides starting with the letter "D," drowsy, distracted, and drunk driving have another thing in common: They are all a form of dangerous and negligent human error.

If these behaviors cause an accident that injures you, you are likely entitled to compensation through a car accident or truck collision claim. Working with an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer from Kadzai Law Group, LLC can help you maximize your settlement.

Why Are These Driving Behaviors Dangerous?

Safe driving best practices say you should entirely focus on the act of driving and be ready to react immediately to hazards. Drowsy, distracted, and drunk driving make that virtually impossible.

Distracted Driving

There are four main categories of driving distractions, and each can lead to drivers causing otherwise avoidable accidents.

• Audible: Loud sounds, including using earbuds to listen to music, which hinder the ability to hear traffic noises

• Cognitive: Thoughts that take the driver’s focus away from driving

• Manual: Actions that remove one or both hands from the steering wheel

• Visual: Looking at things other than traffic conditions, signals, and signs

Engaging in various distractions often causes erratic steering and speeds; it can also delay a driver’s reaction to upcoming hazards. Distracted driving is one of the leading contributing factors in motor vehicle collisions. Because it is a form of negligence, you may be able to receive a settlement after a distracted driving crash.

Drowsy and Drunk Driving

Did you know that drowsiness or fatigue can impair you similarly to being drunk? Both conditions can cause drivers to experience:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

• Blurred vision

• Impaired motor skills

• Poor judgment

Fatigued and drunk drivers may even fall asleep at the wheel, potentially causing devastating collisions. These behaviors are also negligent.

What Is Negligence?

Every driver has a legal duty to use reasonable care to avoid harming others. When drivers fail to provide that duty of care and the failure causes an injury accident, victims can often file a compensation claim based on negligence. In legal cases, negligence is acting differently than another reasonable person would under the same conditions. Negligent behavior can be either an action or inaction. For example, driving while impaired is an action, and failing to turn on a turn signal is an inaction.

If you plan to file a negligence-based claim, you will need supporting evidence proving a driver or another responsible party was negligent. Gathering appropriate evidence is one of the many ways working with a knowledgeable attorney can benefit you. We can also help you get a settlement that covers all of your eligible losses, which may include lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Contact Us Now To Speak With Our Skilled Chicago, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

The result of your case matters. At Kadzai Law Group, LLC, we will work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Call us at 312-229-0050 today for your free consultation with our competent Hyde Park, IL personal injury attorney.