If you’re one of the millions of Americans who commute to work each day, there’s a good chance you’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 you doze off and get into an accident, and your 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 you could have an accident. This could result in serious injuries or even death. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, your car insurance may not cover the damages. In addition, you could be fined or jail time. Another risk of falling asleep at the wheel is that you could damage your car. If you veer off the road and hit a guardrail, your insurance may not cover the repairs. You could also end up with a flat tire or dead battery if you fall asleep while driving. The best way to avoid these risks is to make sure you get plenty of rest before driving. If you feel tired, pull over and take a nap. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.
What Can You Do to Prevent Falling Asleep at the Wheel?
There are a few things you can do to prevent falling asleep at the wheel:
- Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road. Drowsy driving is more likely if you’re tired.
- Plan your route and take breaks. Don’t drive long distances without stopping.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you 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 you fall asleep at the wheel, you are considered to be negligent in your actions. And since most car insurance policies have a clause excluding coverage for accidents caused by negligence, you will likely be left footing the bill for any damages yourself if you cause an accident while asleep at the wheel. So if you are someone who is prone to nodding off behind the wheel, it is important to be aware that your car insurance may not provide any coverage if you do 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 yourself 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 You Get Help if You’ve Been in an Accident Caused by Falling Asleep at the Wheel?
If you’ve been in an accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel, you may be wondering how you can get help. The first thing you should do is contact your insurance company to see if they cover this type of accident. If they don’t, there are a few other options available to you. One option is to contact your state’s insurance commissioner. They may be able to help you 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 you get the compensation you deserve. No matter what route you decide to take, it’s important to get the help you need after an accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for assistance.
Warning Signs That You’re About to Fall Asleep at the Wheel
If you’re driving and start to feel yourself 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 you’re about to fall asleep at the wheel:
1. Your eyes feel heavy and start to droop.
2. You can’t keep your head up or your eyes open.
3. You start yawning frequently.
4. You can’t remember the last few miles you’ve driven.
5. Your steering starts to drift or you have trouble keeping your car in its lane.
If you start to experience any of these warning signs, pull over immediately and take a break. Drink some coffee or take a nap so that you can be rested and alert for the rest of your drive. Don’t risk falling asleep at the wheel and putting yourself and others in danger!
Conclusion
If you’re involved in a car accident that was caused by falling asleep at the wheel, your 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 you’re found to be at fault for an accident caused by falling asleep at the wheel, you could be liable for the damages yourself. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure you’re well rested before getting behind the wheel, and to always drive safely.
