Texting and driving truck accidents in Lake County are a growing concern, as distracted driving remains a leading cause of crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles. Texting is a primary cause of collisions of all types, and federal and state laws forbid operators from using cell phones without pulling off the road to a safe location, except during emergencies.
If you were involved in an accident where the truck driver was texting, you deserve compensation. Contact a dedicated truck accident attorney today for help with your case.
Crashes Caused by Phones
Smartphones are a leading cause of collision for all types of vehicles and collisions, and federal laws strictly prohibit truckers from using them while driving. Crashes caused by texting are a threat to public safety and a national epidemic, and some of the common types of crashes include the following:
- Head-on truck accidents caused by distracted truckers drifting across the double line
- Intersection crashes caused by running stop signs or red lights
- Deadly pedestrian and cyclist accidents result from distracted operators failing to notice them crossing or riding nearby
- Rollovers, caused by attempting to slam on the breaks or avoid crashing at the last moment
- Jackknife crashes from over-braking or steering
- Rear-end wrecks that occur because truckers fail to notice the traffic in front of them is slowing down or stopping
Semi-truck drivers texting while operating vehicles are more likely to make errors leading to collisions, and they are a significant cause of severe wrecks and fatalities. An attorney with experience handling Lake Country texting and driving truck wrecks could help obtain the maximum potential settlement.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
Many activities diverting motorist attention from safely operating the vehicles are visual, cognitive, or manual distractions. However, using a cell phone to read, create, or send text messages of any form, including emails, while driving falls within all three groups.
The trucker must take their eyes and mind off the road and remove at least one hand from the steering wheel. The agency responsible for the trucking industry oversight, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, usually called the FMCSA, is a specialized division of the Department of Transportation and estimates that smartphones are the most significant cause of truck crashes in Lake County and across the country.
State and Federal Regulations
Tractor-trailers are the largest vehicles on the roadways, and collisions are often much more severe than those involving passenger cars. Therefore, state and federal regulations prohibit truckers from using cell phones for any purpose, requiring them to press more than one button without pulling over to a safe location.
Violations can result in steep monetary penalties, loss of driving privileges, and civil liability. Further, when accidents result in life-altering injuries or death, the negligent party could face criminal prosecution. A knowledgeable lawyer seasoned in texting and driving truck crashes in Lake County could investigate to gather vital evidence and determine the cause and responsible party.
Recoverable Damages
Some examples of recoverable damages include medical expenses related to the cause of action, lost salary, and pain and suffering. While there is no standard settlement amount, crashes involving heavy commercial vehicles are often severe, and the payment to cover the damages and losses is significant.
Schedule to Meet With a Lake CountyAttorney About Your Texting and Driving Truck Accident Case
Using a smartphone to read, create, or send a message while driving is reckless. It puts the individual and everyone traveling near them at unnecessary risk of crashes, which can lead to extensive damages and losses. Therefore, victims must hold the at-fault parties legally and financially accountable.
A settlement could cover your healthcare expenses and salary while you are at home recovering and holding the negligent 18-wheeler driver responsible for their actions. Meet with a hard-working lawyer qualified to handle texting and driving truck accidents in Lake County for more guidance and help with your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
