Two people sustained injuries in a San Bernardino car accident, which officials say, was caused by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. According to a news report in the San Bernardino County Sun, the injury collision occurred on Highway 395 in Victorville the morning of July 15, 2010. San Bernardino Sheriff's Department officials say that a Hyundai Sonata driven by a 27-year-old man drifted from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes and crashed head-on into a Kia Sportage driven by a 31-year-old woman. Investigators have determined that the driver of the Hyundai fell asleep at the wheel at the time of the collision. He seemed uninjured, but the driver of the Kia sustained moderate injuries to her leg.

I wish the injured driver of the Kia the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. I'm relieved to hear that her injuries were not major, considering the nature of the collision. Please keep this injured victim in your prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 16 fatalities and 266 injuries involving car accidents in Victorville. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

Driver Fatigue

If the details of this news report are accurate, it appears that the collision was caused by the driver falling asleep at the wheel. Accidents involving sleepy drivers have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2007, driver fatigue was a factor in at least 18 percent of all fatal accidents and accounted for about 7 percent of all traffic accidents.

Liability Issues

In such cases involving tired drivers, the at-fault driver may or may not face criminal charges. However, it would be in the best interests of injured victims to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer, who will closely examine all angles of the incident and make sure that their legal rights are protected. Injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy and other related expenses. These incidents are constant reminders to all of us not to drive if we are tired, sleepy or under the influence of medication that can cause drowsiness.

What are some tips you would offer fellow drivers to prevent such accidents?

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.