Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of roadway accidents and injuries. When a truck driver operating a large commercial vehicle demonstrates this kind of negligence, the risk of severe accidents and injuries is magnified due to the sheer size and weight of a tractor-trailer.
Those injured in distracted driving truck accidents in Inverness could be entitled to monetary compensation. A proactive tractor-trailer crash attorney could evaluate the chain of events leading to your recent truck collision and liability for the accident to determine whether you may be owed monetary compensation.
Distracted Driving Truck Accidents and Injuries
A truck driver who engages in cognitive, visual, or manual distractions could easily cause an accident that injures or even kills a fellow motorist. Talking on the phone, texting while driving, listening to overly loud music, and eating or drinking behind the wheel are all examples of distracted driving that could lead to a serious vehicle accident.
Distracted driving could also take other forms, such as when the truck driver is operating while overly fatigued or under the influence. All motorists have a legal duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care and to respect the traffic laws in full. When a truck driver violates this legal duty by engaging in any form of distracted driving, they could imperil one or multiple drivers and their passengers.
Even a few seconds of distraction could mean that the truck driver is not able to pay sufficient attention to the road or have an appropriate reaction time. This could lead to a situation where an 18-wheeler plows into the rear, front, or side of another motor vehicle, jackknifes, or has a rollover crash.
Any of these circumstances could inflict serious or mortal harm on the individuals involved. In Inverness, distracted driving truck wrecks could involve injuries such as abdominal, chest, or head trauma, fractured and broken bones, musculoskeletal injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
What To Do After a Collision Caused by a Distracted Truck Driver
After a distracted driver in Inverness causes a truck collision, an injured individual may be unsure what to do next. When possible, it is important to exchange insurance information with the truck driver and any other motorists involved and to wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene. Any photos of property damage, injuries, or the scene of the accident could prove vital as evidence in building a case for compensation.
Injured individuals should seek immediate medical care and follow all prescribed courses of treatment. Delaying treatment could not only have serious physical repercussions but also cause difficulties in claiming maximum damages in a personal injury claim.
It is also essential to promptly seek counsel from a knowledgeable legal professional who could advise on available next steps. Florida law requires that injured auto accident victims first turn to their own insurance policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, no matter who caused the accident. However, individuals dealing with serious physical harm may meet the state’s thresholds to proceed with a personal injury claim. Recoverable damages in a successful personal injury lawsuit could include the value of past and future medical bills, lost income, future lost earning potential, pain, and suffering.
Contact an Inverness Distracted Driving Truck Accident Attorney
After distracted driving truck accidents in Inverness, injured parties may be left dealing with staggering medical repercussions and mounting medical bills. When this has happened to you or someone you know, you should speak with a determined lawyer as soon as possible.
A well-practiced attorney could collect evidence for your case, speak with law enforcement and witnesses from the scene of the incident, and navigate all correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf. Call our office now to speak with a trusted legal professional and find out what may be possible for your case.