Each year, fatigue-related crashes claim hundreds of lives on Arizona's roads, with Phoenix seeing a disproportionate number of these preventable accidents. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time, decision-making ability, and awareness in ways similar to alcohol intoxication, creating dangerous conditions on highways like I-10 and I-17 during early morning and late-night hours. Common scenarios include commercial truck drivers exceeding mandated rest periods, shift workers commuting during off-hours, and drivers attempting long-distance travel without adequate breaks. When drowsy driving leads to accidents, victims often face substantial medical bills, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. These cases can be particularly complex from a personal injury perspective, as proving driver fatigue may require detailed evidence like work schedules, cell phone records, witness statements, and expert testimony to establish negligence. Understanding how drowsy driving affects accident claims is crucial for both prevention and securing appropriate compensation after an incident.

Legal Rights and Considerations: Arizona operates under a pure comparative negligence system, meaning victims can recover damages even if partially at fault for an accident. The state's statute of limitations allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Key regulations include Arizona's mandatory liability insurance requirements ($25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's hours-of-service rules for commercial drivers. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases involving commercial vehicles, both the driver and their employer may bear liability. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, as delays can affect coverage and settlement options. An experienced Phoenix car crash lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

A fatigued driver accident can cause a wide range of injuries to victims. Click the links below to learn how a personal injury lawyer can help, including:

Click the links below to get information on legal claims from attorneys with experience in your type of injury including:

• Phoenix spine injury attorney
• Phoenix brain injury lawyer
• Phoenix whiplash injury attorney
• Phoenix fracture injury attorney.

Related Resources:

Maricopa County Superior Court 201 W. Jefferson Street Phoenix, AZ 85003

Support Services:

• Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
• Arizona Department of Public Safety Victim Services
• MADD Arizona Chapter

Legal References:

• Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4009 (Mandatory Insurance Requirements)
• Arizona Department of Transportation: Driver Safety Guidelines
• FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service

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