Can You Sue a Driver for Falling Asleep at the Wheel in Manhasset?

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of car accidents on Long Island, and the Sleep Foundation states that it can be even more dangerous than drunk driving. If you were injured by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, you might be wondering if legal action is possible. Is this a form of negligence? Could it lead to a lawsuit? Are there laws against driving while sleep-deprived in New York? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced auto accident lawyer in Manhasset.

Autopilot Features Make Sleeping Behind the Wheel More Common 

Due to the rise of self-driving technology, more drivers are sleeping behind the wheel than ever before. Some might argue that this software is reliable enough to allow drivers to nap, but even Tesla notes that its “Autopilot” feature should be supervised at all times. Drivers should be ready to take back control of their vehicles at any time, and they cannot monitor the road if they are asleep.

Earlier in 2025, Long Island experienced two major incidents involving fatigued drivers. In February, a man from Queens fell asleep at the wheel. Although he rolled to a stop without any issues, he jerked awake after a police officer knocked on his car door. At this point, he suddenly slammed the gas pedal, hitting the officer and causing a minor shoulder injury. Officers later found drugs in his vehicle.

In another incident, a Long Island teen passed out behind the wheel of his Tesla and went on an unconscious joyride on a busy highway. Police found him heading down the highway with his hazard lights activated, moving at a snail’s pace of 30 miles per hour. An investigation determined that he was heavily intoxicated at the time.

These incidents illustrate how dangerous driver fatigue can be in Long Island. Not only that, but these stories also show how driver fatigue is often linked with substance abuse, alcohol, and drugs.

Is it Illegal to Drive While Tired in New York? 

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee describes “drowsy driving” as one of the four “Ds” of impairment. The other three are “drugged,” “drunk,” and “distracted.” Thousands of people suffer fatal or severe injuries each year due to drowsy drivers in New York.

That said, drowsy driving is not a crime in New York. Unlike alcohol intoxication, police can’t administer a test that determines a driver’s level of sleep deprivation. On the other hand, drowsy driving is a form of negligence. This means that it can lead to a personal injury lawsuit.

Key Takeaways 

• Driver fatigue can be more dangerous than intoxicated driving
• Falling asleep at the wheel is a clear form of negligence
• Many people die each year due to driver fatigue

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Manhasset Help Me Sue a Sleep-Deprived Driver? 

An auto accident lawyer in Manhasset may be able to help you take legal action against a sleep-deprived, negligent driver. If you suffered injuries because someone else fell asleep at the wheel, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Speak with Cohan Law, PLLC to learn about how to pursue compensation for missed income, medical expenses, and other damages.

Sources: 

aol.com/nyc-man-asleep-wheel-crashes-220311611.html

aol.com/sleeping-long-island-teen-busted-210352127.html

trafficsafety.ny.gov/drowsy-driving