Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher (https://www.rrklawgroup.com/drowsy-driving-accidents-in-new-york-why-fatigue-can-cost-you-your-claim/) of Kucher Law Group is drawing attention to a rising hazard on New York roads—drowsy driving—and the serious legal consequences it can bring. In a detailed article, the Brooklyn car accident lawyer explains how fatigue at the time of a crash can reduce a victim’s compensation, even when another driver is primarily at fault. The absence of clear testing for fatigue allows insurance companies to shift blame onto injured drivers, complicating legal claims across Brooklyn and New York.
In New York, where long work hours and irregular schedules are common, drowsiness behind the wheel is often underestimated. Samantha Kucher, a Brooklyn car accident lawyer, emphasizes that fatigue can significantly impair judgment, delay reaction times, and even result in brief, unconscious moments called “microsleeps.” These effects put all drivers at risk of serious crashes, and more importantly, put victims at risk of having their claims reduced under New York’s comparative negligence law. That law reduces compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.
Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher explains that a tired victim can easily become a legal target. Insurance companies may argue that a fatigued driver failed to act fast enough to prevent or reduce damage in a collision, thereby contributing to the accident. “Insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you, even when another driver's negligence played the larger role,” states Samantha Kucher. This tactic is used to reduce payouts, sometimes by tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While public awareness campaigns often focus on drunk or distracted driving, drowsy driving remains a largely hidden threat. Data from New York’s Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee reported a dramatic increase in fatigue-related crashes—rising from 1,955 in 2022 to 5,110 in 2023. National research from the National Safety Council suggests that drowsiness may contribute to as many as 6,400 deaths each year. Unlike alcohol or phone use, however, drowsiness has no clear roadside test, making it more difficult to prove or disprove in court.
According to Samantha Kucher, a Brooklyn car accident lawyer, New York law allows for legal claims based on negligence when a driver knowingly operates a vehicle while dangerously tired. That negligence can rise to reckless driving under certain conditions, such as when a driver has been awake for 24 hours or more. In those instances, the law may treat the act as a criminal offense, which can strengthen the injured party’s civil case.
Another layer of complexity arises under New York’s pure comparative negligence standard. Even if a fatigued driver was only partially at fault, any admission of tiredness can reduce financial recovery. A 25% fault assignment lowers total compensation by the same percentage. Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher stresses that statements made after a crash—such as “I was tired” or “I just got off work”—can be used against a victim. These remarks are often taken out of context and used to show shared responsibility.
To help protect a claim, Samantha Kucher advises crash victims to avoid making recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking to an attorney. Immediate steps such as seeking medical attention, preserving evidence from the scene, and writing down personal observations can also help secure a stronger case. Skid marks, road conditions, and witness statements are all valuable details that can support a drowsy driving claim.
Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher underscores the importance of taking early legal action. Acting quickly allows legal teams to access evidence like traffic camera footage or vehicle data, which might otherwise be lost. Prompt legal involvement also prevents missteps, such as admitting fatigue to an insurance adjuster or failing to document injuries. Fast response time can mean the difference between a successful claim and a denied one.
Even when a victim was fatigued at the time of the crash, legal rights still exist. New York law does not prohibit recovery based on tiredness alone. However, failing to take the proper steps after the accident can lead to reduced outcomes. Legal strategies must be tailored to protect victims from the common tactics used by insurance companies to reduce liability.
Fatigue is a common part of daily life in Brooklyn, but when it becomes part of a legal case, the stakes change. Crash victims should not allow tiredness—either their own or another driver’s—to define the outcome of a claim. Working with a qualified legal team provides the structure and clarity needed to navigate complex cases involving fatigue and personal injury.
Drivers involved in crashes where fatigue played a role should act immediately to protect their rights. The attorneys at Kucher Law Group, including Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher, are available to help victims pursue full and fair compensation under New York law.
About Kucher Law Group:
Kucher Law Group is a Brooklyn-based personal injury law firm representing individuals harmed in car accidents, pedestrian incidents, and related injury cases throughout New York. Founding attorney Samantha Kucher leads the legal team with a commitment to fighting for clients' legal rights against insurance companies and negligent drivers.
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