Truck Accidents Due to Distracted Driving

As more consumers are purchasing more goods, an increased number of truck drivers are required to transport those goods across the country. With a greater number of trucks on the road, the frequency of truck accidents is expected to increase. This is due to many instances such as driver exhaustion and distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents, both commercial and personal vehicles, each year. There are many ways that a person can be distracted while driving, and these have consequential outcomes, especially in a large truck. Below, you’ll find an overview of truck accidents due to distracted driving and how to manage after being a victim of such accident. 

Examples of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving occurs when a person operating a vehicle is not paying full attention to the road and their surroundings while driving. While there are many causes for distracted driving, the most common example is cell phone usage. Commercial drivers illegally use their phones while working by calling or texting other people. In doing so, they put their own and other peoples’ lives at risk, since a change in attention can cause a truck to swerve off the road or into another car quickly. Other types of distracted driving include eating, drinking, and grooming. Truck drivers often spend days in their trucks, so they complete daily activities in their trucks. However, these small tasks can take a driver’s focus off driving and lead to accidents. Additionally, if truck drivers are using maps or navigation systems while driving, they may also become distracted and cause accidents. Regardless of the form of distracted driving, every distracting situation can lead to significant harm to the driver, other people on the road, and pedestrians. Proving distracted driving is essential in a distracted driving case and hiring an attorney may help you prove such a situation. 

Commercial Vehicle Distracted Driving Laws

Distracted driving of commercial vehicle operators may be illegal, however, it’s difficult to make every type of potential distraction illegal while driving. However, the most addressed case of distracted driving is cell phone use. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, details the prohibition of mobile phone use in grave detail. In short, commercial vehicle operators of interstate trucks and those moving hazardous materials are completely banned from handheld phone use while driving. Phone use includes both sending or receiving text messages, or speaking on the phone while holding it in their hand. They are, however, permitted to speak on their phone if mounted and used hands-free without reaching for it or pressing multiple buttons. If such laws are violated, the driver risks having their commercial license revoked, job disqualification, and civil penalties. If you have been a victim of an accident with a distracted commercial truck driver, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. 

Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents can cause significant damage, both physically and monetarily. Victims of truck accidents in the case of a distracted truck driver may be eligible for financial relief to compensate for any damages and medical expenses that might have ensued from the accident. To work with an experienced auto accident attorney and receive the justice you deserve, reach out to the lawyers at Brassfield & Kreuger, Ltd. They will help review your situation and determine how to best approach your case. Contact us to request a consultation and begin your claim process today.