Speak With a Phoenix Fatigued Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Fatigued driving is a silent but deadly danger on Phoenix roads. Drivers who are overtired—or who fall asleep at the wheel—can cause crashes just as severe as those involving alcohol or drugs. These accidents often happen without braking or evasive action, leading to catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, working with an experienced Phoenix fatigued driving accident lawyer can help you hold negligent parties accountable and pursue full compensation.
Farar & Lewis offer free consultations to fatigued driving accident victims throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is prepared to investigate your case and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Why Fatigued Driving Is So Dangerous
Driver fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces situational awareness. In severe cases, drivers may experience microsleeps—brief, uncontrollable episodes of sleep lasting a few seconds.
Fatigued driving is especially dangerous because:
- Reaction times are significantly delayed
- Drivers drift out of lanes or miss signals
- Braking and steering responses may not occur at all
- Crashes often happen at full speed
- Victims have little warning before impact
On Phoenix freeways and long desert stretches, fatigue-related crashes are particularly severe.
Common Causes of Fatigued Driving Accidents in Phoenix
Fatigued driving can affect anyone, but certain conditions increase risk. Common causes include:
Long Work Hours and Shift Work
Drivers working overnight shifts, double shifts, or irregular schedules are more likely to be drowsy behind the wheel.
Commercial and Gig Driving
Delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, and truck drivers may push themselves to meet deadlines or quotas.
Sleep Disorders
Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea and insomnia can impair alertness.
Alcohol and Medications
Even small amounts of alcohol or sedating medications can worsen fatigue.
Long-Distance Driving
Extended highway driving without breaks increases the risk of microsleeps.
Where Fatigued Driving Accidents Commonly Occur
In Phoenix, fatigue-related crashes often happen:
- On highways such as I-10, I-17, and Loop 101
- Late at night or early morning hours
- On long, straight roadway segments
- During weekends and holidays
- Near city outskirts and desert corridors
These locations and times reduce stimulation and increase the likelihood of drowsiness.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Fatigued Driving Accidents
Because fatigued drivers may fail to brake or swerve, injuries are often severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims frequently face long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and permanent disability.
Proving Fatigue in a Driving Accident Claim
Unlike alcohol impairment, fatigue does not have a simple test. Proving drowsy driving requires careful investigation and evidence gathering, including:
- Driver work and sleep schedules
- Cell phone and app usage data
- Vehicle event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police crash reports and observations
- Employer records for commercial drivers
A Phoenix fatigued driving accident lawyer knows how to uncover and present this evidence effectively.
Employer Liability in Fatigued Driving Cases
If a fatigued driver was working at the time of the crash, additional parties may be liable. Employers may be responsible when they:
- Encourage excessive hours
- Fail to enforce rest breaks
- Ignore safety complaints
- Violate hours-of-service rules (for commercial drivers)
Holding employers accountable can significantly increase available compensation.
Arizona Law and Fatigued Driving
Arizona law requires drivers to operate vehicles safely and attentively. Driving while dangerously fatigued may constitute negligence—especially when a driver knew or should have known they were unfit to drive.
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning fault may be shared among parties. Insurance companies often try to minimize fatigue as a cause, making legal representation critical.
Compensation Available to Fatigued Driving Accident Victims
If your injuries were caused by a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme recklessness—such as knowingly driving without sleep—punitive damages may be available.
Why Insurance Companies Dispute Fatigued Driving Claims
Insurers often resist fatigued driving claims by arguing:
- Fatigue cannot be proven
- The crash was unavoidable
- Another factor caused the accident
- The victim shared fault
A Phoenix fatigued driving accident lawyer ensures fatigue is properly investigated and not dismissed.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Fatigued Driving Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand how complex fatigued driving cases can be. Our legal team conducts detailed investigations and builds evidence-driven claims.
We focus on:
- Reconstructing driver timelines
- Preserving vehicle and digital evidence
- Identifying employer or third-party liability
- Accurately calculating damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Fatigued Driving Accidents
Most personal injury claims in Arizona must be filed within two years of the crash date. Claims involving employers or government entities may involve additional notice requirements.
Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Fatigued Driving Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a fatigued driver, you deserve experienced legal representation and full accountability.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Phoenix fatigued driving accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Sources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Drowsy Driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Drowsy Driving Facts
https://www.cdc.gov - Arizona Department of Transportation – Traffic Safety Data
https://azdot.gov
