Drowsy Driving and Fatigued Driver Accident Victims

Drowsy driving is one of those dangers everyone knows about but almost nobody thinks will affect them. Most people picture drunk driving or texting behind the wheel when they think of risky driving. But in reality, driving tired can be just as dangerous, especially on Colorado’s long stretches of highway and winding mountain roads.

At Cook Bradford and Levy, attorneys Jason Levy and Brian Bradford regularly help people who have been seriously hurt because another driver pushed through fatigue instead of stopping to rest. These cases can be challenging, but with the right investigation and legal strategy, the truth about what caused a crash often becomes clear.

Why Driving Tired Is Such a Big Problem

When you’re tired, everything slows down. Your eyes feel heavy. Your reactions lag. Your attention drifts. In the worst moments, your brain even slips into microsleep, meaning you are effectively unconscious for a few seconds at a time. That is all it takes for a high speed collision.

Fatigue can sneak up on anyone, but it happens more often in certain situations:

People working long or overnight shifts.
Commercial truck drivers under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ski season drivers heading home after a long day on the mountain.
Anyone dealing with sleep disorders, certain medications, or simply too little rest.

On Colorado highways, where weather, altitude, and mountain terrain already put drivers on edge, fatigue can quickly turn dangerous.

Colorado Law And Fatigued Drivers

There is no specific “drowsy driving” law in Colorado, but the state’s negligence and reckless driving laws cover it clearly. Every driver must use reasonable care, and driving while too tired to safely control a vehicle violates that responsibility.

In serious cases, a tired driver’s behavior can even be considered reckless. That may open the door to punitive damages if the driver consciously ignored the risk. For example, this might happen when a driver knows they have been awake far too long or when a commercial driver violates hours of service rules.

Colorado also uses comparative negligence, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Insurance companies love using this rule to blame victims, so having a strong advocate is important.

How Lawyers Prove A Driver Was Fatigued

Fatigue is not like alcohol. There’s no breath test for being tired. That means lawyers need to piece together evidence that shows the at fault driver was not alert.

This often includes:

Work schedules showing long shifts.
Trucking logs or electronic driving data.
Witness statements describing drifting or swerving.
Lack of braking before impact.
Driver admissions about missing sleep or feeling tired.

Sometimes accident reconstruction experts are needed to show that an alert driver would have reacted differently.

Injuries Caused By Fatigue Related Crashes

Fatigued drivers often never hit the brakes, which means impacts tend to be more severe. Victims frequently suffer:

Traumatic brain injuries
Back and neck injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Emotional trauma and anxiety

Many clients also face long recoveries and uncertainty about how their injuries will affect their future.

How Cook Bradford and Levy Helps Victims

Cook Bradford and Levy has handled many cases involving fatigue, distraction, and other forms of impaired driving. Their approach is hands on and thorough.

They:

Investigate early and aggressively.
Gather medical, vehicle, and employment records.
Work with experts when needed.
Push insurance companies to take responsibility.
Prepare for trial if a fair settlement is not offered.

The firm operates on contingency fees, so clients owe no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.

What To Do If You Think Fatigue Caused Your Crash

If you were hit by someone you suspect was tired or fell asleep, here are a few tips:

Seek medical care right away, even if you feel okay.
Write down anything you remember the driver saying or doing.
Save photos, dash cam footage, or witness contact information if available.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Early action helps preserve evidence that may otherwise disappear.

Talk To Cook Bradford and Levy Today

A drowsy driver’s split second lapse should not leave you carrying the physical, emotional, and financial burden of a serious crash. Cook Bradford and Levy is here to help you understand your rights, investigate what really happened, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one was injured by a fatigued driver, reach out for a free consultation. The firm will guide you through the process and fight for a result that truly reflects what you have lost.