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4 preventative steps for avoiding drowsy driving

On Behalf of | Jun 13, 2017 | Blog, Firm News

You may know the feeling of sudden and overwhelming fatigue all too well. Whether you have had a hard day at work or have spent your time doing other mentally or physically strenuous activity, you likely know that sometimes even holding your head up can seem like an impossible challenge. As a result, you certainly attempt to refrain from putting yourself in a position that requires your complete attention.

However, even when you feel completely wiped out due to activity, lack of sleep or other factors, you may have obligations that require you to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Of course, you undoubtedly understand that driving while drowsy can place you and other travelers at risk, and, therefore, you may want to explore preventative measures for feelings of fatigue.

Preventative steps

If you know ahead of time that you will need to travel by car, you can take certain steps to ensure that you do not feel drowsy while driving. Some of those preventative measures include:

  • Getting enough sleep: The average adult needs approximately seven to nine hours of sleep in order to prevent a lack of alertness.
  • Taking breaks: If you have to drive a long way, taking breaks every so often can help keep your mind from drifting or prevent the repetitive scenery from lulling you into an unexpected sense of drowsiness.
  • Having a traveling buddy: One of the best ways to prevent drowsy driving relates to having another driver. If you have another individual to travel with you, that person can help keep you alert while you drive and take over the task when you become too tired.
  • Avoiding sedatives: If you need to take medication, you should check your medication labels or consult with your doctor to determine whether your medication may cause drowsiness. If so, you may want to avoid taking that medicine or find another means of travel.

These preventative steps could help you remain alert and attentive while behind the wheel and reduce your risk of an accident, but you may not have the ability to account for the actions of other drivers.

Dealing with an accident

If another driver does not take these preventative steps or does not take necessary measures to counter fatigue, you could still find yourself involved in an accident due to a drowsy driver. If you suffer injuries in such an event, you may wonder whether pursuing compensation for those injuries and other damages could be worth your while. Gaining information on personal injury claims from an experienced Connecticut attorney could help you make important legal decisions.

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36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.

1989 workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000. Claimant originally sustained a low back injury when she slipped and fell at local grocery store resulting in low back surgery in 1989. Several years later, claimant exacerbated her low back injury. Claim was reopened and settled with carrier for $125,000 in 2006.

47-year-old deli clerk sustained low back injuries at work for local supermarket. Carrier originally denied claim on the grounds that the injury was pre-existing. After formal workers’ compensation hearing carrier accepted claim and paid all total disability benefits and medical expenses in excess of $100,000. Case then settled for an additional $100,000 after injured person received a permanent disability rating.

34-year-old male roofer sustained multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck, back and hip when he fell from roof during work. Claimant was provided workers’ compensation benefits in excess of $100,000 and settled remaining claims for an additional $55,000.

40-year-old male working for cleaning company sustained neck and low back injuries when he fell on defective staircase while cleaning local museum. Claimant recovered over $95,000 in workers’ compensation benefits and resolved claim against museum for $85,000.

26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.

24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.

Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.

22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.

Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.

28-year-old passenger sustained multiple herniated discs in automobile accident in New York state. New York no-fault carrier paid for extended period of disability from work and medical expenses, including expenses for surgery. Case settled against driver of vehicle for $300,000 policy limits shortly after filing suit.

54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.

CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.

68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.

34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.

80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.

38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.

Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.

$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.

47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.

26-year-old male bitten on leg by German shepherd. Claim against dog owner settled for $65,000 plus payment of all medical expenses.