The Hidden Dangers of Drowsy Driving

When car accidents make the news, they are often tied to drunk or distracted driving. Yet one of the deadliest and most overlooked causes of crashes is drowsy driving. Fatigued drivers put everyone on the road at risk, and the consequences can be devastating.

At Hillstone Law, our experienced West Covina car accident attorneys help victims hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.

Drowsy Driving by the Numbers

The dangers of fatigued driving are alarming:

• Reaction times plummet when drivers are sleep-deprived.
• Going more than 20 hours without sleep impairs driving as much as a 0.08% BAC, the legal drunk driving limit.
• Fatigued drivers are three times more likely to crash.

Certain groups are at an even higher risk, including:

• Young drivers (ages 16–25) especially those driving late at night.
• Shift workers and employees working long or rotating hours.
• Commercial truck drivers who log long overnight miles.
• People with untreated sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea.
• Frequent business travelers, often coping with long hours or jet lag.

Recognizing the signs of fatigue drifting from your lane, frequent yawning, or difficulty keeping your eyes open can prevent tragedy.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drowsy Driving Accident?

In California, every driver has a legal duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. Falling asleep or driving while dangerously fatigued is considered negligence. But liability may extend beyond the driver:

• Employers – If an employee caused the accident while on duty (such as a pool service or delivery driver), the company may share liability.
• Trucking companies – Even if drivers are classified as “independent contractors,” companies that encourage long hours or unsafe schedules can be held accountable.
• Uber and Lyft – Rideshare services provide $1 million in supplemental coverage when drivers are transporting passengers. They may also be liable for unsafe policies, like inadequate screening or long shifts.
• Other third parties – Liability may also fall on businesses, contractors, or organizations that contribute to unsafe driving conditions.

Determining liability in a drowsy driving case is complex, which is why working with an experienced West Covina car accident lawyer is so important.

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of drowsy driving accidents have the right to seek full compensation for:

• Medical bills (current and future care)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members in fatal cases)

At Hillstone Law, we don’t let insurance companies undervalue your losses. Our attorneys fight aggressively to recover every dollar you deserve.

Call Hillstone Law Today

Too many families in California are devastated by the consequences of drowsy driving. Holding negligent drivers and the companies that enable them accountable not only helps victims recover but also makes our roads safer.