Distracted driving is against the law for commercial truck drivers, and U.S. regulations often prohibit mobile phone use without hands-free devices, imposing penalties for distracted driving violations. However, driver distraction or inattention are increasingly cited as factors in commercial truck accidents.
Distracted driving is engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from the road. Common trucker distractions include:
This April, in coordination with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the truck accident lawyers at Tracey Fox & Walters are sharing information about how inattentive driving impacts tractor-trailer, big rig, and semi-truck accidents.
When a distracted driving truck accident occurs, the responsibility for injuries typically falls on the negligent party. This could be the truck driver, the trucking company if they failed to enforce safety policies or adequately train their drivers, or other third parties responsible for maintaining the truck or cargo. The crucial task of identifying the negligent party is not just about assigning blame, but about ensuring accountability and preventing future accidents, a matter of utmost importance.
Distracted driving among commercial truck drivers can significantly affect accidents, impacting crash severity, configuration, injuries, and liability. Here’s why:
Addressing distracted driving among commercial truck drivers requires comprehensive strategies, including education, enforcement, technological solutions (such as driver-assistance systems), and fostering a safety culture within the trucking industry. Addressing these issues reduces the risks associated with distracted driving, resulting in safer roads for all users.
In distracted driving truck accident cases, various types of evidence play a crucial role in establishing liability and proving negligence. Here are some common forms of evidence used in these cases:
While it may seem clear that a distracted truck driver is to blame in a crash, uncovering the truth and demonstrating it to an insurance company can be challenging. Truck accident cases are often complex, with multiple parties held liable and various insurance companies involved.
These are high-stakes proceedings that impact not only the victim but also the trucking and insurance companies. A successful outcome for the victim could result in significant consequences for the trucker's career or even the trucking company's future. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate these challenges and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Truckers are paid professional drivers who have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly at all times. This duty includes adhering to traffic laws, obeying regulations governing commercial trucking, and maintaining proper focus and attention while behind the wheel. When truckers fail to uphold these responsibilities and engage in distracted driving behaviors, they put themselves and others at risk of serious harm. If you've been injured in a truck accident caused by a distracted truck driver, it's important to seek legal guidance to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys at Tracey Fox & Walters can help you find your way forward after a serious truck wreck. If you were injured or a loved one died in a truck accident in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or a nearby Texas community, contact us for a free case evaluation. We can listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain your potential legal options.