The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that nighttime fatalities in car accidents occur “three times higher than the daytime rate.” There are several reasons why night driving is much more dangerous than daytime driving, including that”
- There are likely more drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The inability to see well on the roadways
- Drowsy driving
If you suffered any injuries, damages, or losses in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence at night, you may have the right to seek compensation. You could recover a financial award that covers:
- Your medical bills
- Lost wages due to your inability to return to work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Learn how a night driving car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and get answers to your questions from the Ben Crump Law, PLLC team at (844) 730-0233 today.
Understanding the Dangers of Night Driving
Overall, night driving is much more dangerous than day driving. There are several factors that can impact the safety of the roadways at night, including the following:
Decreased Vision
Vehicles have equipment that allows them to operate effectively and safely at night. Some of the ways that vehicle manufacturers attempt to make night driving safer include the inclusion of high-beam headlights. However, these headlights only cover a segment of the road and may leave a driver less time to react to:
- Animals
- Debris
- Hazards
- Inclement weather conditions
Additionally, the human eye reacts to objects differently at night, and focusing is much more difficult. Even with well-lit signs and high-beam headlights, some motorists simply do not see as well at nighttime.
In other cases, those with already reduced vision issues—such as the elderly—have additional challenges driving at night. The inability to see as well, and therefore make important and quick decisions regarding safety, increases the risk of accidents on the roadways at nighttime.
Additionally, another important note is that many people experience a condition known as night-blindness. The Cleveland Clinic reports that this medical condition can be actually caused by a retinal disorder or low Vitamin A, and renders a person unable to see clearly in dim lights.
Many people remain unaware of how poor their vision truly is within a nighttime setting. Having any kind of night vision challenges can increase the risk of an accident on the roadways.
Drowsy Driving
Most drivers experience drowsiness more at nighttime rather than during the day. Fatigue can act in a similar way as alcohol or drugs on the body and can reduce reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
With nighttime driving, a motorist may feel more relaxed. The darkness may prompt them to close their eyes for a brief moment, in which they actually may fall asleep.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Too many car accidents occur involving one motorist operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many of these accidents occur after someone drinks too much alcohol or does drugs before operating motor vehicles at night. The deadly combination of night driving is often coupled with intoxicated operation of the vehicle.
A Night Driving Car Accident Lawyer Will Determine How Your Accident Occurred
Some reasons the liable driver may have hit you include:
- That their headlights did not work appropriately and were not properly cleaned
- That their headlights were not aligned and aimed correctly
- That they looked at oncoming lights from other vehicles
- That their windshield was not clean
- That they did not obey traffic signals/signs
- That they were drowsy or tired
- That they operated their motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
We will use all forms of evidence available to prove that the other party is responsible for your injuries, and for the accident in general.
Types of Injuries You May Have Suffered
Every car accident will have its own set of facts and circumstances. Some car accidents may have only minor damage and minor injuries. In other cases, serious injuries or fatalities can result. You may have suffered from:
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Minor concussions
- Extended hospitalization
- Broken or fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis (either partial or full, and either temporary or permanent)
- Aortic dissection (from seatbelt and airbag injuries)
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Fatality of a loved one
If you suffered any of these types of injuries, or lost a family member, consider how a night driving car accident lawyer can help you. We can help you understand how you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Learn How Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You Today
If you suffered injuries, property damage, or losses as a result of another negligent driver failing to follow any relevant safety guidelines or laws, you may have the right to receive compensation. You could recover a financial award for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Consider speaking with our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233. We can explain whether you have the legal right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
