Texting and Other Distractions Accident Lawyer

Truck drivers can spend up to 11 hours a day behind the wheel. While it is understandable that long hours can become monotonous, it is always a truck driver’s duty to keep their eyes and focus on the road. When a truck driver becomes distracted by their cell phone or other devices, it can cause a dangerous situation. If a truck driver causes an injury or fatality accident due to distracted driving, they can be held liable for damages due to driver negligence.

Cell phones are one of the most common distractions for those behind the wheel. For truck drivers, cell phones are their connection to friends and family that they may not see for days at a time. However, using their cell phone while driving can be a distraction from the road. When controlling a vehicle that could weigh up to 80,000 pounds, this can be very hazardous. It only takes a few seconds for the car in front of them to put on their brakes or other traffic issues to occur that need them to react quickly. If a truck driver is looking at their cell phone, they may cause an accident that could be deadly.

Distracted Driving Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recognized the dangers of distracted driving for truckers and put regulations in place for safety. Even before many states had cell phone laws, the FMCSA restricted cell phone use for drivers of trucks of 10,000 pounds or more. In 2012, the FMCSA banned all handheld cell phone use for truck drivers. According to their statistics, truck drivers had a much greater risk of being in an accident when using a cell phone while driving. Dialing a hand-held device increases the probability of an accident by 600%.

If you were injured or lost a family member in a truck accident caused by distracted driving, you may be eligible to seek significant compensation. Contact Race Law Firm to discuss your legal options during a free consultation at our Atlanta office.