Drowsy driving might not sound dramatic, but it’s one of the leading causes of car crashes, and in Fort Collins, it’s a real threat to road safety. Whether you’re heading home after a long shift or just running errands close to home, even a brief loss of focus can result in a serious accident.
Where does that leave you with your policy? Does insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel? The answer depends on the specifics of your coverage and what the investigation reveals about the crash. At Cannon Law, a trusted Fort Collins car accident attorney can help you make sense of your policy, understand your rights, and guide you through the claims process when accidents happen.
CALL US (970) 471-7170What Happens Legally When You Fall Asleep While Driving?
Falling asleep while driving can carry serious consequences, especially when injuries or property damage occur. While Colorado doesn’t have a law that specifically addresses drowsy driving, police may still issue citations for unsafe behavior. In severe cases, civil liability could also apply.
A well-documented police report can influence how your insurer evaluates the crash. These details can shape how the question, Does insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel? It is answered in your particular situation.
Will Insurance Cover Damages If You Fall Asleep at the Wheel?
Falling asleep at the wheel can lead to a serious car accident, and in many situations, car insurance might provide coverage, depending on the type of policy you have and how the incident is evaluated. Collision coverage generally applies to damage to your own vehicle, while liability insurance may cover injuries or property damage you cause to someone else.
Here’s a closer look at how these types of coverage can apply.
- Coverage for Your Vehicle: If you carry collision coverage, your insurer will likely cover repairs to your vehicle, minus the deductible, even if you were at fault for falling asleep.
- Coverage for Others: Liability coverage pays for injuries or damages to others if you caused the accident. However, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you may be responsible for covering the remaining expenses yourself.
Important Considerations:
- Why you fell asleep matters; fatigue from work or a medical issue might be treated differently than sleepiness due to alcohol or drug use.
- A police report can strengthen your claim and provide important evidence.
- Colorado law doesn’t specifically outlaw drowsy driving, but the consequences still align with careless or reckless driving statutes.
- Premium increases are likely even if your policy covers the accident.
Your car insurance may help with costs, but the specific protections depend on your policy and the accident events.
When Insurance Might Deny Your Claim?
Even with the right coverage, there are still scenarios where your claim might be denied. Insurance companies often conduct a detailed review of the cause of an accident, and they may refuse to pay if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, violated other traffic laws like speeding or running a red light, failed to provide clear documentation, or misrepresented the situation in your claim.
In those cases, the insurer might argue that the drowsiness was preventable or that another form of negligence was at play. That’s why filing a detailed police report and being truthful in your claim is important.
What If a Drowsy Driver Hit You?
If a drowsy driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation through their liability insurance. According to the Colorado General Assembly, the mandatory minimums for car insurance coverage are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to all people in a single accident
- $15,000 for property damage.
That said, these minimums may not fully cover your losses, especially if the crash led to serious injuries. In that case, you might need to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy.
Tips to Prevent Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel
Drowsy driving is avoidable. According to the Colorado DMV, some simple strategies can reduce the risk:
- Plan your trip in advance, especially long ones.
- Bring a friend to help share the driving or stay alert to your condition.
- If you feel drowsy, don’t try to push through. Pull over safely, rest, and resume driving only when you feel alert.
Being proactive can make a huge difference. Preventing fatigue before it becomes dangerous protects everyone on the road.
Speak With a Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney Today
Dealing with a crash where you or someone else fell asleep at the wheel raises questions about liability, coverage, and next steps. Whether you’re unsure how your policy applies or wondering Does insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel, getting the right guidance makes a difference.
At Cannon Law, we can help you review your case and evaluate your coverage. Contact us today at 970-471-7170.
