Distracted Driving Truck Accidents

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists distracted driving as anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road. While drivers of any vehicle should avoid anything that distracts them from the task of driving, it’s even more imperative for truckers to keep their eyes and attention on the road.

Because commercial trucks carry so much more weight and can cause extreme damage in an accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set new regulations in 2012 to prevent distracted driving of commercial vehicles. With these rules in place, it restricts truckers from texting or using any hand-held phone while operating their vehicle.

Texting, browsing the internet, watching videos, or making calls on a phone while driving certainly would be considered distracted driving. However, a truck driver that is eating, drinking, changing stations on the radio, or talking to a passenger in their truck is also distracted.

After a truck accident, it may be hard to know what to do next. Contact Tucker Law to speak with a truck accident lawyer about your case.

What Can Happen When a Truck Driver Is Distracted?

Commercial truck accidents tend to be more devastating simply because these vehicles are so much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. In fact, they can weigh as much as 25 times more than your vehicle.

According to the FMCSA, it takes most people five seconds to read or write an average text message. In those moments, a distracted truck driver traveling at 55 miles per hour would travel an entire football field in length. That’s a lot of ground to cover without paying attention.

Because of these facts, the FMCSA has issued specific laws regarding the use of texting and talking on mobile phones while driving a commercial vehicle. Every truck driver must heed these federally mandated rules or face penalties.

These rules dictate that no trucker is permitted to hold a cell phone in their hand to place or accept a call. They also may not dial by pressing more than one button, reach for the phone in a way that moves them out of their seat, or engage in any form of electronic communication. Violations may result in fines up to $2,750 and a suspension of their driver’s license for up to 120 days for repeat offenders. Any trucking company that knowingly tolerates or requires cell phone use while behind the wheel can also be fined as much as $11,000.

How Can You Prove a Trucker Was Negligent?

Without a truck accident lawyer, it may be difficult to prove that the truck driver that totaled your car was distracted. Tucker Law can help by interviewing eyewitnesses that may have seen the entire accident unfold. This testimony is a valuable asset, but even without eyewitnesses, there are other ways to show a trucker was negligent by way of distracted driving.

Cell Phone Records

After a truck accident, the cell phone records of the truck driver can be checked. This may show they were on the phone or texting at the time of the accident.

Black Box Data

Most modern trucks contain a black box that will track and store an array of information. Experts brought in by your lawyer can check this information for key details. Among them, they’ll look for braking. If a trucker crashed into your vehicle without applying the brakes, this could mean they were distracted or asleep at the wheel.

What Happens if You Can’t Prove a Truck Driver Was Distracted?

Even if the cell phone records and black box don’t turn up evidence, an attorney at Tucker Law can help you prove the trucker that crashed into you was negligent. Breaking traffic laws such as failing to yield the right of way, making an improper turn into oncoming traffic, failing to stop at a light or stop sign, or improper lane changes are signs of careless and negligent driving. These things can all be used to prove the trucker is liable for the damages in your truck accident.

What to Do If You Were in a Distracted Driving Truck Accident

All truck drivers need to pay attention on the road. When something distracts them, the results are often devastating. Whether you lost a loved one due to a distracted truck driver or suffered serious injuries yourself, don’t leave anything to chance.

Work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale that understands how much you’ve suffered. With Tucker Law, you will have an attorney to work on your behalf to prove the trucker was distracted. There’s no fee unless you win, so call today to get a free initial consultation.

Tucker Law’s main office is located at 800 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach, less than a mile away from Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, and about 5 minutes away from the Museum of Discovery and Science. Port Everglades is only 15 minutes away. Matthew Sean Tucker, the principal attorney at Tucker Law, is your trusted source for addressing both personal injury and intellectual property matters. With a proven history of expertise and success, Tucker Law ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call Tucker Law today at 1-800-882-5379 with further questions.