A Distracted Truck Driver May Hold Liability in Your Accident

If you have been in an accident involving a truck, you will understandably want to know who is responsible. Truck drivers have a duty of care to other road users, given the typical size of their vehicles. When there is a lapse in due care and attention, collisions can happen.

Distracted driving is a broad term for any scenario where a driver is not paying attention to the road, other vehicles or any potential hazards. This may result from texting, making a phone call, changing radio stations or any other distraction.

Cell Phone Distracted Driving

One of the most common and dangerous examples of distracted driving is using a cell phone. Modern smart phones are packed with features. Messaging apps account for a large number of distractions. Making or taking phone calls while driving also has the potential to cause serious accidents.

Trucks are large vehicles, which means they take longer to stop and can overturn when recommended driving practices are ignored or breached. If the driver of a truck is using a cell phone, the skills needed to make important split second decisions to avoid accidents are compromised. The driver may therefore hold responsibility for any injuries incurred by other vehicle users.

In some cases, forensic evidence can prove that a truck driver was distracted prior to an accident. Cell phone timestamps and accident data recorders (ADR) are examples of devices that provide a picture of what happened before, during and after an accident. If the truck driver was going over the speed limit, texting or talking on the phone, these events can give indications of who was at-fault in an accident.

To learn more about distracted driving and pursuing compensation in Atlanta, reach out to the Race Law Firm for a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.