Sleep deprivation can lead to car accidents. However, until now there have been few studies that relate this fact to personal injury law. For example, what if someone exists in a perpetual sleepy state and doesn’t realize they are sleep deprived? Furthermore, individuals who suffer from sleep apnea may be able to better manage the effects of sleep deprivation and thereby avoiding a car accident lawsuit. Were you in a car accident and believe sleep deprivation was a factor? If so, is important to contact a personal injury lawyer.
Research on Sleep Deprivation and Car Accidents
A recent study that the American Council on Science and Health conducted concluded that there is a correlation between sleep apnea and car accident risk. “Severe sleep apnea was associated with a 123% increased crash risk, compared to no sleep apnea.” Additionally, “sleeping 6 hours per night was associated with a 33% increased crash risk, compared to sleeping 7 or 8 hours per night.”
“We found that chronically sleep-deprived individuals don’t perceive themselves as being excessively sleepy and thus don’t perceive themselves as impaired,” said lead author Daniel Gottlieb, MD, MPH, associate physician in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. As a result, there was “an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes in sleep-deprived individuals.”
Signs of Sleep Deprivation
Some signs of sleep deprivation to look out for include:
- Frequent yawning or blinking.
- Difficulty remembering the recent miles you drove.
- Missing an exit.
- Lane drifting.
- Driving onto a rumble strip.
- Difficulty concentrating and impaired performance.
- Memory and thinking problems.
- Disorientation, hallucinations, and paranoia.
- Mood changes.
Were you in a Car Accident?
If you suffered an injury in an accident that you believe was caused by a sleep-deprived driver, then you should consult an experienced auto accident attorney right away. This is because we can help you get the compensation you deserve. This can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
