What Happens If A Sleepy Driver Crashes Into Me?

Drowsy driving is a serious concern across the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 693 people lost their lives in drowsy driving-related crashes in 2022, and police report tens of thousands of crashes involving tired drivers each year. These alarming numbers show why driving while sleep-deprived poses a threat to you and everyone else on the road.

California law allows those injured by drowsy drivers to seek compensation for their injuries, but proving that someone fell asleep at the wheel can be challenging. Below is an in-depth look at how these crashes happen, what you can do if you are involved in one and how to build a strong claim for damages.

How Does Falling Asleep at the Wheel Cause Traffic Accidents?

A sleepy driver might experience microsleeps, which are brief moments when the brain momentarily “shuts off.” These seemingly insignificant seconds are still long enough to put everyone on the road at risk. Even a few seconds of dozing can lead to:

Missing Hazards: If the sleepy driver does not see stopped traffic or a sharp turn, they cannot brake or correct their steering in time.
Lane Drifting: Many drowsy drivers drift into oncoming vehicles or off the road, leading to head-on collisions, sideswipes or rollovers.
Slow Reaction: Even when a driver is not fully asleep but extremely tired, their reaction time slows. A split second can make the difference between dodging a crash and slamming into another car.

Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making any mistake behind the wheel especially dangerous. If a truck driver falls asleep or even drifts off for a moment, there is a higher chance of causing serious injuries or deaths.

What Damages Are Available When You File a Lawsuit Against a Drowsy Driver?

If a sleepy driver harmed you, you may request compensation in several areas:

Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications and needed therapy or rehab
Lost Wages: Lost income if you must miss work, plus reduced earning potential if you cannot return to your old job
Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, emotional distress, mental anguish or loss of enjoyment of everyday activities
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle, plus personal items such as a phone or laptop destroyed in the collision

Each accident is unique, so the total amount you might be entitled to depends on your circumstances. However, these categories give you an idea of what you can include in a drowsy driving claim.

How Can You Prove a Driver Fell Asleep at the Wheel?

Unlike drunk driving, there is no test police can use to prove that someone was asleep right before the accident. Yet several pieces of evidence can suggest a driver was asleep or close to it.

Police Reports: Officers may note signs of grogginess, yawning or incoherence. Sometimes, drivers admit to dozing off or say they did not see the other car.
Photos or Video: Surveillance or dashboard cameras may show the car veering out of its lane or failing to slow down.
Witness Statements: Bystanders could report seeing the driver’s head bobbing, eyes closing or swerving before the collision.

Collecting this information as soon as possible can make a big difference in your case. Evidence and memories tend to fade with time, so it helps to act immediately if you suspect a drowsy driver caused the accident.

How Do You Prove a Fatigued Driver is Liable for the Accident?

To hold another driver responsible for your injuries, you typically must prove they were negligent. Negligence has four parts:

Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal duty to drive safely and follow the law.
Breach of Duty: The driver does not meet that duty. Falling asleep at the wheel or drowsy driving could be examples of failing to act responsibly.
Causation: You need to show that the driver’s drowsiness caused the crash that hurt you. For instance, if they drifted into your lane because they fell asleep, that led directly to your injuries.
Damages: Finally, you have to show that you suffered harm because of the crash (medical bills, lost wages or ongoing pain).

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you can prove all four parts. Showing a strong link between the driver’s sleepiness and the collision often requires carefully gathering evidence and records.

What Evidence Proves a Drowsy Driver’s Negligence?

Sometimes, it is not enough to say a driver looked tired. You may need tangible evidence. Various documents and records can help demonstrate that the driver should not have been on the road:

No Skid Marks: If there is no sign the driver tried to slow down, it may mean they never saw the danger.
Work or School Attendance Records: If the driver kept a schedule that allowed little or no sleep, this may indicate excessive fatigue.
Prescription Records: Medications that cause drowsiness can show a heightened risk that the driver was not alert.
Digital Records: These records sometimes show that a driver was awake for an extended period, posting online or making purchases at odd hours.

Putting these clues together strengthens the argument that a driver’s drowsiness reached a dangerous level.

How Can a Car Accident Attorney Prove Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages in California are meant to punish a driver who behaves in a way that shows reckless disregard for your safety. It can be difficult to prove that a tired driver acted in a way that calls for punishment, but it is not impossible.

A lawyer might look for signs that the driver:

Broke federal regulations for rest breaks (especially in commercial trucking)
Had a history of drowsy driving but kept doing it anyway
Ignored a known medical condition that made drowsy driving more likely

If these facts apply, the court may decide the driver’s behavior was far beyond ordinary negligence. Punitive damages serve as a warning to others that driving while dangerously sleepy has serious consequences.

Some punitive damage awards may be relatively small, while others can be quite large. Because every situation is different, there is no guaranteed amount for punitive damages in a drowsy driving case.

Work With a California Auto Accident Attorney

Being involved in an accident with a fatigued driver can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward. At the end of the day, you deserve to focus on healing while a trusted legal team works on the details of your claim.

Johnson Attorneys Group is here to help. Our compassionate attorneys understand your challenges and are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call our car accident lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation, and take the first step toward securing the justice and peace of mind you deserve.