Does car insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel?

Does car insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel? Your car insurance can cover you if you are in an accident, but it depends on why you fell asleep while driving.

Although some people may have conditions that cause them to fall asleep behind the wheel, others may do so simply because they are tired. Driving while drowsy is actually very common, and 50% of drivers admit to doing it. 

It’s best to be completely sure you have sufficient coverage in the event of a car accident to protect both yourself and anyone else involved.

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Collision Coverage and Liability Car Insurance

A claim for damaging your own vehicle in a collision caused by falling asleep at the wheel would fall under collision coverage.

In most cases, once you have this, your insurance will cover falling asleep at the wheel. However, if you have only the minimum liability insurance the damage to your car will not be covered.

If you are injured, your insurance company may also cover your treatment if you have medical payments coverage.

Can you get a ticket for falling asleep at the wheel?

Yes, you can get a ticket for falling asleep at the wheel. While there is no particular law or part of the vehicle code that covers falling asleep at the wheel, that doesn’t mean a sleepy driver can get away with it.

In New Jersey in particular, there is a law against drowsy driving, called Maggie’s Law. In other states, most drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel face charges of reckless driving. The second offence they can be charged with is vehicular manslaughter if anyone is killed.

If you are caught, you can be charged with reckless driving. If this happens, your insurance company may not cover you. This is because it’s seen as a preventable accident that could have been avoided by acting responsibly.

Getting Into an Accident After Falling Asleep at the Wheel

There are a couple of common scenarios that happen after you fall asleep at the wheel. 

Damage to Property

If you’ve crashed into private property, you may have to pay for the damage. That’s where your insurance coverage comes in. Liability coverage will cover damage to someone else’s property.

All auto policies are required to have property damage liability, including comprehensive coverage.

Someone was injured or died

There is a possibility that the driver who fell asleep can be charged with reckless driving for an injury, or vehicular manslaughter for a death. Reckless driving is usually a misdemeanor criminal offense.

Your car insurance will not have you avoid going to jail if you are found guilty.

If the conviction for reckless driving goes on your record, your car insurance premiums will go up.  

Read More: What should I do if I’m in an accident and don’t have car insurance?

Case Studies: Does car insurance cover falling asleep at the wheel?

Case Study 1: Jake’s Collision Coverage Saves the Day

Jake, a tired driver, unfortunately fell asleep at the wheel and caused an accident. His car sustained significant damage, but luckily, he had collision coverage included in his car insurance policy. Jake filed a claim with his insurance company, and they covered the cost of repairing his car, minus the deductible.

In this case, Jake’s car insurance covered the damages resulting from falling asleep at the wheel because he had collision coverage. This coverage is designed to pay for damages to the insured vehicle regardless of who is at fault. Jake’s case illustrates the importance of having comprehensive coverage to protect against unforeseen incidents like falling asleep while driving.

Case Study 2: Lisa’s Reckless Driving Charge and Increased Premiums

Lisa, a driver who fell asleep at the wheel and caused an accident, faced legal consequences. She received a reckless driving charge due to her negligence. As a result, her car insurance company considered the accident preventable and raised her insurance premiums significantly.

Lisa’s case demonstrates that falling asleep at the wheel can have both legal and financial repercussions. Insurance companies view such accidents as preventable, and they may increase premiums for drivers who exhibit reckless behavior. It highlights the importance of staying alert and avoiding drowsy driving to maintain a clean driving record and lower insurance costs.

Case Study 3: Mike’s Liability Coverage for Property Damage

Mike, an exhausted driver, crashed into a private property after falling asleep at the wheel. The property owner filed a claim for the damages caused by the accident. Fortunately, Mike had liability coverage as part of his car insurance policy. His insurance company paid for the property damage, up to his coverage limits, relieving him of the financial burden.

In this case, Mike’s liability coverage protected him from the expenses of property damage caused by his drowsy driving accident. Liability coverage is a standard component of car insurance and covers damages to other people’s property or injuries they sustain in an accident for which the insured is at fault.

Mike’s case emphasizes the importance of carrying adequate liability coverage to protect against potential financial liabilities.

Avoiding Serious Issues

If you want to avoid the repercussions of falling asleep at the wheel, there are things you can do to avoid it.

Preventing distracted driving and drowsy driving is better than possibly causing an accident. Some of the things you can do include

• Calling a rideshare or taxi service if you feel drowsy
• Avoid medication that has “drowsiness” as a side effect
• Pull off the road and park in a safe location

Drowsy drivers show the same symptoms as drunk drivers, which can lead to accidents. If you fell asleep at the wheel and crashed, having the best possible insurance is vital.

These types of crashes are often devastating and the financial burdens they cause increases the damages felt by all families involved. It is important you know how to get compensated in situations like these.

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