Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans and poses significant dangers on the roadways. This medical condition causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to severe daytime drowsiness and impaired alertness. When drivers with untreated sleep apnea get behind the wheel, they put themselves and others at substantial risk. The connection between this sleep disorder and car accidents has become increasingly clear through medical research and accident investigations.
What Is Sleep Apnea and How Does It Affect Drivers?
“Sleep apnea” is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. These interruptions prevent restful sleep and cause excessive tiredness during waking hours. Drivers with this condition may experience “microsleeps,” which are brief episodes of unintended sleep lasting just seconds. Even these momentary lapses can prove catastrophic when operating a vehicle at highway speeds.
How Often Do Sleep Apnea-Related Accidents Occur?
Studies indicate that drivers with untreated sleep apnea face a significantly higher crash risk compared to the general population. Research shows these individuals are two to three times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving contributes to thousands of crashes annually, with sleep disorders representing a major contributing factor. Commercial drivers face particular scrutiny due to the prevalence of sleep apnea in that population and the potential for catastrophic consequences.
What Are the Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy drivers often display recognizable symptoms before an accident occurs. Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty maintaining focus on the road may indicate dangerous fatigue levels. Drivers may drift from their lane, miss exits, or fail to remember the last few miles driven. Passengers who observe these behaviors should offer to take over driving responsibilities immediately; other motorists should increase their distance and contact law enforcement.
Can Someone Be Held Liable for an Accident Caused by Sleep Apnea?
Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. When someone knows they have sleep apnea or recognizes symptoms of the condition but fails to seek treatment, they may be held accountable for a resulting crash. Liability can extend to situations where a driver was diagnosed but did not follow prescribed treatment protocols, such as using a CPAP machine. Establishing fault requires demonstrating that the driver knew or should have known about their impaired condition and chose to drive anyway.
What Evidence Proves Sleep Apnea Caused an Accident?
Medical records documenting a sleep apnea diagnosis serve as direct proof that the driver suffered from this condition. Additionally, witnesses can provide testimony about the driver’s behavior before the collision. Accident reconstruction determines whether the driver attempted to brake or take evasive action, and the absence of such responses strongly suggests the person had fallen asleep at the wheel. Investigators may also review cell phone records to rule out distraction. For commercial drivers, employment documentation may reveal noncompliance with rest period regulations or medical certification falsification.
What Compensation Is Available After a Sleep Apnea-Related Crash?
Injured parties may recover damages for medical expenses related to their injuries. When those injuries prevent them from returning to work, compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity may be available. These individuals might also pursue damages for pain and suffering that address the physical discomfort and emotional trauma caused by the collision. Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings also falls within recoverable losses. In rare cases of particularly reckless behavior, such as deliberately driving while knowing about severe, untreated sleep apnea, “punitive damages” may be awarded.
Our Skilled Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Offer Experienced Legal Advocacy for Sleep Apnea Crash Claims
If you think that another driver’s sleep apnea caused your crash, contact our Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. For an initial consultation, call us today at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form. With office locations in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.