Ocala, FL Car Accident and Injury Attorneys

No Fee or Cost Unless We Win

Whittel & Melton LLC
510 Co Rd 466 #201W The Villages, Florida
352-369-5334
Don’t Face the Judge Alone!

Florida Lawyers handling injury and death matters from all road accidents, wrecks and catastrophic crash cases. We handle all types of auto injury situations, including those accidents created by careless and drowsy drivers.

Driver fatigue, also known as drowsy driving, occurs when a tired, sleepy or drowsy individual takes the wheel of an automobile. Since fatigued drivers are unable to effectively recognize, react and respond to various situations on the road, this form of driving recklessly can cause deadly collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluates that more than 50,000 sleep related traffic accidents occur each year that result in approximately 40,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities. The NHTSA has identified three population groups that are more likely to exhibit drowsy driving behavior. Those most at risk include:

• Teens and young adults ages 16-29, particularly males.
• Shift workers that have irregular hours or lengthy overnight hours.
• People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome or narcolepsy.

Sleepiness behind the wheel can affect any driver, not just long-haul big rigs. Drowsy driving can lead to fatal car wrecks due to the driver’s impaired physical and mental state, with the most serious impact being the driver’s inability to resist falling asleep. Fatigued drivers suffer delayed reaction times, impaired information processing and the incapability to properly pay attention to their surroundings on the road.

Sleep is a rudimentary and vital biological necessity for all human beings. The only cure for reducing drowsiness behind the wheel is sleep. Losing even one night’s rest can result in short-term fatigue, and when sleep is constantly reduced to only several hours a night, the body can be left in a state of chronic drowsiness.

A variety of symptoms can display driver fatigue, such as:

• Tired eyes
• Yawning
• Inability to remember directions
• Restlessness
• Boredom
• Difficulty concentrating

Representing Ocala, The Villages & all of Marion County Accident Injury Victims
Whittel & Melton, LLC – 352-369-5334

Unlike alcohol and drug intoxication, there are no measurable standards set in place to determine drowsy driving; however, a collision as a result of fatigue usually displays certain characteristics. An accident created by a fatigued driver can display some of the following patterns including:

• a single vehicle exiting the roadway
• a crash that occurs on a high-speed road
• the driver makes no attempt to prevent the accident from happening
• the accident occurs in the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning

To prevent driver fatigue and its penalties, it is critical to make sure you receive sufficient sleep daily, avoid drinking alcohol when tired and avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m., if possible. When a driver experiences drowsiness, it is critical that they stop driving. It is a good idea to let another passenger take the wheel or better, pull off the road to take a 20 minute nap. Caffeine can be a sufficient boost of energy, but this is only a temporary solution. The best cure for driver fatigue is a considerable amount of sleep.

Safe automobile driving demands the driver’s full concentration and focus. If you feel your eyes can no longer pay attention to the road or if they start feeling heavy, your next move could very well be a life-or-death decision.

If your or someone you care for has been harmed in an auto accident caused by a drowsy driver, call the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC immediately for a free consultation and to further explore your legal options. We can effectively evaluate your case and direct you towards the best course of action for your individual needs. Families grappling with serious injury or the loss of a loved one often encounter bankruptcy due to staggering medical bills and lost income. Fortunately, the Florida Car Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. We are fully versed in how insurance companies operate, so let our experience help you and your loved ones in your time of need.

Regardless of where in Ocala, Marion County or elsewhere in Florida your car accident happened, Whittel & Melton can assist you in recovering financial compensation. There are limits on the amount of time you have to file a claim, so contact us as soon as possible. You can call our Ocala office at 352-369-5334 or fill out a free confidential case evaluation form online 24/7.

Ocala, Florida Car Accident Lawyers & Attorneys
Whittel & Melton, LLC
510 Co Rd 466 #201W
The Villages, Florida
352-369-5334