If they’re one of the millions of Americans who commute to work each day, there’s a good chance they’ve nodded off at the wheel at least once. It’s not surprising – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is a factor in 100,000 crashes each year. But what happens if one dozes off and gets into an accident, and their car insurance doesn’t cover it?
What Are the Risks of Falling Asleep at the Wheel?
There are a number of risks associated with falling asleep at the wheel. The most obvious is that one could have an accident. This could result in serious injuries or even death. If they are found to be at fault for an accident, their car insurance may not cover the damages. In addition, one could be fined or jail time. Another risk of falling asleep at the wheel is that one could damage their car. If one veers off the road and hit a guardrail, their insurance may not cover the repairs. They could also end up with a flat tire or dead battery if they fall asleep while driving. The best way to avoid these risks is to make sure they get plenty of rest before driving. If they feel tired, pull over and take a nap. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
What Can One Do to Prevent Falling Asleep at the Wheel?
There are a few things one can do to prevent falling asleep at the wheel:
- Get a good night’s sleep before one hits the road. Drowsy driving is more likely if they’re tired.
- Plan the route and take breaks. Don’t drive long distances without stopping.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make one sleepy.
Car Insurance Companies Often Don’t Cover Accidents Caused by Falling Asleep at the Wheel
Most people are aware that car insurance companies typically don’t cover accidents that are caused by recklessness or negligence on the part of the driver. But what many people don’t realize is that accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel are also usually not covered by insurance. This is because when they fall asleep at the wheel, they are considered to be negligent in their actions. And since most car insurance policies have a clause excluding coverage for accidents caused by negligence, they will likely be left footing the bill for any damages themselves if they cause an accident while asleep at the wheel. So if they are someone who is prone to nodding off behind the wheel, it is important to be aware that their car insurance may not provide any coverage if one does happen to fall asleep and cause an accident.
Sara Routhier, Director of Outreach at ExpertInsuranceReviews.com recommends additional coverage through a non-standard policy to help protect themselves financially in case of an accident.
Why Do Car Insurance Companies Exclude This Type of Accident From Coverage?
There are a few reasons that car insurance companies exclude this type of accident from coverage. The first reason is that it is considered to be a preventable accident. This means that the driver should have been able to avoid the accident if they were paying attention. The second reason is that it can be difficult to prove that the driver was actually asleep at the time of the accident. This is because there is usually no witnesses and the driver themselves may not remember what happened. The third reason is that it can be expensive to repair the damage caused by an accident like this. This is because it often requires special equipment and training to fix the damage caused by a car hitting something while driving at high speeds.
How Can One Get Help if they’ve Been in an Accident Caused by Falling Asleep at the Wheel?
If they’ve been in an accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel, they may be wondering how they can get help. The first thing one should do is contact their insurance company to see if they cover this type of accident. If they don’t, there are a few other options available to everyone. One option is to contact their state’s insurance commissioner. They may be able to help them file a complaint against the company or take other action. Another option is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in car accidents. They may be able to help one get the compensation they deserve. No matter what route one decides to take, it’s important to get the help one need after an accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for assistance.
Warning Signs That They’re About to Fall Asleep at the Wheel
If they’re driving and start to feel themselves getting drowsy, it’s important to take action immediately. Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and can lead to deadly accidents. Here are some warning signs that they’re about to fall asleep at the wheel:
1. Their eyes feel heavy and start to droop.
2. One can’t keep their head up or their eyes open.
3. They start yawning frequently.
4. One can’t remember the last few miles they’ve driven.
5. Their steering starts to drift or they have trouble keeping their car in its lane.
If they start to experience any of these warning signs, pull over immediately and take a break. Drink some coffee or take a nap so that one can be rested and alert for the rest of their drive. Don’t risk falling asleep at the wheel and putting everyone in danger!
Conclusion
If they’re involved in a car accident that was caused by falling asleep at the wheel, their car insurance may not cover the damages. This is because most car insurance policies exclude coverage for accidents that are caused by driver fatigue or negligence. If they’re found to be at fault for an accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel, one could be liable for the damages themselves. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure they’re well rested before getting behind the wheel and to always drive safely.
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