Two people were injured in a San Bernardino car accident after one of the drivers fell asleep at the wheel and caused a head-on collision. According to a news report in The Press-Enterprise, the injury crash occurred the morning of April 5, 2010, on Highway 395, close to Bear Valley Road in Victorville. A 21-year-old man, driving a Toyota Corolla, was heading south on the highway when he crossed over to opposing lanes of traffic and struck a PT Cruiser. California Highway Patrol officials said the driver of the Corolla sustained a broken leg and head injuries while a 24-year-old Redondo Beach man who was driving the PT Cruiser suffered a broken leg and shoulder pain. Investigators do not believe speed, drugs or alcohol were factors in this car accident.

I sympathize with the injured driver of the PT Cruiser who was unfortunately in the wrong place at the wrong time. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries. It is indeed fortunate that neither driver sustained fatal injuries in this crash given the intensity of the collision.

Car Accident Statistics

There were 16 fatalities and 266 injuries involving car accidents in Victorville, according to CHP's 2008 traffic accident statistics. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 deaths and 8,504 injuries were reported as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Fatigued Drivers

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the driver of the Toyota Corolla dozed off as he was driving and swerved into opposing lanes of traffic. If an investigation determines that the driver of the Corolla was at-fault for this accident, he could be held liable for the injuries caused to the driver of the PT Cruiser.

Just over the last few days, there have been several reports of sleepy or fatigued drivers causing serious accidents in Southern California. These accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and even, death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, fatigue was a factor in at least 18 percent of all fatal accidents and accounted for about 7 percent of all traffic accidents.

Avoid Driving When Tired or Drowsy

In such cases, injured victims would be well-advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will advise them about their legal rights and options. This incident is yet another reminder for all of us to never get behind the wheel when we are fatigued or sleep-deprived. Some good tips to avoid such accidents include limiting night time and early morning driving; avoiding long drives after work; avoiding taking medication or even drinking small amounts of alcohol before driving; and taking frequent breaks and rest stops during long drives so you get an opportunity to stretch and relax. Please drive safely.

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.