Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
The Baltimore Sun reports that on Thursday, December 27, a car rented in Connecticut crashed into a wall at the historic Washington Monument after the driver allegedly fell asleep. According to the article, the driver was not injured, but the sole passenger was taken to the University of Maryland Medical center with neck and back injuries. There were reportedly no other vehicles or individuals involved in this one-car accident.
Officials reported that there had been damage to the wall at the historic monument but did not describe the extent of the damage. The Washington Monument column was built in 1829 and is the most prominent structure in Washington, D.C. Made of marble, the monument honors the nation’s founding father George Washington.
According to the report, the car did not strike the monument itself, but a wall just south of the column that is part of the smaller Lafayette Monument. Honoring the Marquis de Lafayette, who served as major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington, the Lafayette Monument features a bronze sculpture of the French military officer on a horse.
Personal injury lawyers in the Washington, D.C. area are familiar with car accidents in the heavily trafficked nation’s capital. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of many of the risks of driving, and it is almost always due to negligent behavior. People are almost always aware of getting drowsy well before they actually fall asleep when driving. Sometimes they are in a hurry or perceive some other reasons not to heed the warnings of drowsiness.
Drivers have a duty of care to their passengers and other drivers that includes remaining alert and awake. A driver who experiences signs of drowsiness but does not pull over to rest or otherwise address his sleepiness is engaging in negligent conduct. The passenger in this case could seek compensation for his injuries from the negligent driver who fell asleep. Fortunately, it appears from the reporting that no party suffered significant injuries.
Drivers may experience drowsiness due to any number of factors:
– Lack of sleep
– Too many consecutive hours driving
– Overwork
– A medical condition
– Intoxication or drug use
– A prescription medication
If you were injured by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel—whether you were in another car or in the same car as the negligent driver—the experienced car accident lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen can help. For years, we have been dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout the Washington, D.C. area. We have successfully represented numerous victims of car accidents and other types of accidents, including construction accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we understand that accidents can be traumatic. We are devoted to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. To speak with one of our knowledgeable lawyers, call us toll-free at 800-654-1949, or contact us online.
Related Blog Posts:
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Seeks to Hold Truck Driver Liable for Hours-of-Service Violations, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, November 30, 2012
Washington DC Ranks Last in Annual Ranking of “Best Drivers;” Surrounding Areas Also Fare Poorly, Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog, October 5, 2012