Understanding Legal Responsibility in a Fatigue-Related Crash

If someone falls asleep while driving and causes a serious accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. In Indiana, falling asleep at the wheel may still be considered negligence, even if the driver did not intend to cause harm. Whether fatigue results from poor sleep or a medical condition, the injured party can still file a claim. What matters is whether the person behind the wheel failed to act with reasonable care.

A tragic crash in Delaware County illustrates how dangerous drowsy driving can be. According to a report by Indiana State Police, a Cadillac crossed the center line on State Road 67 and collided with an oncoming Dodge Ram. The crash triggered a fire that closed the highway for hours. The 22-year-old Cadillac driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup truck driver was extricated from the vehicle and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Early reports suggest the driver of the Cadillac may have fallen asleep before the crash occurred. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the incident.

Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel May Still Count as Negligence

Driving while tired is not illegal in itself, but it can still serve as a basis for legal liability. Indiana law defines negligence as the failure to use reasonable care under the circumstances. A driver who drifts out of their lane and causes a head-on collision can still be held accountable even if they fell asleep unexpectedly.

Fatigue-related crashes often involve drifting over the center line, rear-end collisions, or running off the road. If you or a loved one is injured in such a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Even when the at-fault driver does not survive, their insurance policy or estate may still be responsible for paying a legal claim.

What If the Driver Had a Medical Condition?

Sometimes, a driver may lose consciousness due to a medical issue, rather than simply being fatigued. Seizures, heart problems, or other conditions can cause sudden loss of control. In those cases, whether you can recover compensation depends on what the driver knew about their condition and whether they took reasonable steps to manage it.

Indiana courts have held that drivers with known medical risks must exercise caution. If someone has been advised not to drive or has a history of blackouts, getting behind the wheel may be considered reckless. On the other hand, if the medical episode was truly unexpected and unforeseeable, establishing liability may be harder. Your attorney can help investigate the driver’s medical history, driving record, and statements made to first responders.

Evidence That Helps Prove Fault in a Fatigue-Related Crash

To succeed in your personal injury claim, you will need evidence that links the crash to the other driver’s actions or inactions. In a drowsy driving case, valuable evidence might include:

• Crash reconstruction reports from law enforcement;
• Eyewitness statements describing erratic or drifting behavior;
• Vehicle black box data showing lack of braking or steering;
• Statements made at the scene or during medical treatment; and
• Driving history or evidence of fatigue leading up to the crash.

Indiana State Police noted that their reconstruction team responded to the Delaware County crash and began collecting evidence immediately. This type of early investigation is crucial for determining fault in serious accidents.

Do Not Wait to Seek Legal Help After a Serious Crash

Indiana law allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can make it harder to prove your case. Witnesses may be harder to locate, and critical evidence can disappear. That is why it is essential to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a crash involving fatigue or medical impairment.

Your legal team can request records, preserve physical evidence, and begin working with experts to show how and why the crash occurred. If the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you should not bear the financial burden alone.

Call Padove Law to Discuss Your Rights After a Crash

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an Indiana car accident caused by a drowsy or medically impaired driver, Padove Law is here to help. We understand the legal challenges involved in proving fault in these cases and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call Padove Law at (219) 836-2200 today to schedule a free consultation. You do not have to face this process alone. Let us help you get answers and move forward.