Switch to ADA Accessible Theme Close Menu
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
$3,830,000

Catastrophic motorcycle accident resulted in a jury verdict.

$1,748,000

Auto accident, multi-car crash

$1,035,000

Auto accident involving defective airbag

$600,000

Death resulting from hospital turning away patient

$550,000

Auto accident involving tractor trailer

$345,000

Auto accident involving a work vehicle

$340,000

Slip and fall at a hotel bathroom

$115,000

Auto accident involving pedestrian. $115,000 in litigation instead of $15k presuit offer

Call: 844-200-0000
Free Initial Consultation
Do you opt in to being contacted via SMS texting or phone call?
 
protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Drowsy2

In April 2016, a Miami dump truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel. He was traveling over 60 miles per hour when he crashed into a stopped taxicab, killing one person and instigating an 11-car crash near Marlins Park. The driver did not face criminal charges, but he was fired from his job.

In October 2016, a 22-year-old semi-truck driver fell asleep while traveling on Interstate 95 in Lake Worth. He crashed into a concrete barrier and flipped his vehicle, closing all southbound lanes for seven hours. He sustained minor injuries in the accident and was cited for careless driving. Luckily no one else was hurt.

Drowsy Driving Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 72,000 crashes were caused by drowsy driving in 2013. Those crashes resulted in 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities. Drowsy driving is also a local problem, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In 2015, there were 4,386 drowsy driving accidents, more than 1,000 injuries and 23 fatalities across the state.

In 2008, an 8-year-old girl was killed when a drowsy driver crashed into her school bus. In honor of this little girl, the state legislature designated the first week in September as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

How Does Drowsiness Affect Your Driving?

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleepy drivers have a slower reaction time, which means they might not brake or swerve in time to avoid a hazardous condition. Drowsiness also affects decisionmaking and makes it more difficult to pay attention to the road. Commercial truck drivers, people who use medications that make them sleepy, and workers on the night shift are especially prone to drowsy driving.

Here are several warning signs from the CDC that you’re too tired to be behind the wheel:

  • Frequent yawning or blinking or heavy eyelids;
  • Drifting out of your lane or forgetting the past few miles that you’ve driven;
  • Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road; and
  • Missing your exit.

If you find yourself nodding off then get off the road!

Drowsy Driving Prevention Tips

There are several ways to prevent drowsy driving accidents. One of the most important (and obvious) is to always get enough sleep! Here are a few other tips from the CDC and the Florida Department of Highway Safety:

  • Avoid taking medications that make you sleepy. If you must take these meds, then don’t get behind the wheel.
  • Don’t drink and drive. Even if you’re not drunk, alcohol can make you sleepy.
  • Take plenty of breaks on long drives.
  • Don’t drive if you’ve been awake for 24 or more hours.
  • Take turns driving if there is more than one driving-age person in the vehicle.

Let Us Help You with Your Case

Contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney at The Pendas Law Firm today for a free consultation if you have been injured by a drowsy driver.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach and Bradenton areas.

Resources:

miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/little-havana/article105062476.html

palmbeachpost.com/news/local/fhp-sleepy-driver-flips-tractor-trailer-near-lake-worth/tr38Gx1iV1d9Kbog6gCb9N/

flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/drowsy-driving/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • “I can’t express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn’t ask for a better law firm. Daniel fought for me til the end and got me what I deserved. Thanks Daniel and your team for always being there to answer any of my questions. If I ever need a law firm again...”

    Terry Mcphillips
  • “Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings…Pendas was a pleasant & more personal approach instead of...”

    Joseph Kestell
  • “Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world I don’t know what I would do if I could not have got a hold of him...”

    Luis Sanchez
  • “Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!”

    Enilno Resu
  • “I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job. Thanks to them I got a great deal. I am glad I decided to use their services...”

    Israel Garcia
  • “Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.”

    Ian Brito
  • “Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker’s compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!”

    Lau Rod