An early morning accident involving four vehicles sent two people to the hospital in critical condition on Sunday, according to a report from Fox 5. The accident occurred on eastbound I-285 at the entrance to Glenridge Drive in Sandy Springs shortly after 4 AM. The injured parties included a North Perimeter Contractors worker and an off-duty police officer from the Morehouse College School of Medicine. The accident resulted in all eastbound lanes of the interstate being closed down for much of the morning.
One of the most common factors in accidents occurring in late night or early morning hours is drowsy driving, also known as fatigued driving. Drowsy driving is a concern for any driver who is operating a motor vehicle without having had sufficient sleep. However, it is of particular concern to night shift and swing shift workers who are driving during hours when the body is instinctually wired for sleep. As explained by Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation leads to mental impairments similar to those experienced by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, including difficulty paying attention, slowed reaction times, difficulty maintaining a single lane of travel, and the inability to make good driving decisions. Accidents involving drowsy driving are most likely to occur between the hours of midnight and 6 am.
Drowsy driving is a form of negligence. Individuals who have caused an accident while driving drowsy can be liable for compensating those who have been injured for the expenses and impacts they incurred. If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by a drowsy driver, an experienced car accident lawyer from Cambre & Associates can help you explore your legal options for seeking compensation for the financial and psychological costs of your injury. They can also tell you about the services our legal team can provide to assist you with a personal injury claim. Contact us for a free case evaluation.