Distracted driving is a significant threat and primary cause of severe accidents. Many of the collisions leave those involved with life-threatening bodily harm, leading to permanent disabilities and or death.
Truck drivers operating massive commercial vehicles with distractions is also a substantial issue, and the crashes are more likely to be fatal because of the vehicles’ large size. After distracted driving truck accidents in Mount Dora, you could seek compensation. Call our semi-truck attorneys for more information about your legal options.
Truck Collisions Caused by Distractions
Drivers can be distracted by many things while behind the wheel, and that is particularly true for truck drivers who spend much of their lives operating their vehicles. Per the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three significant forms of distractions, including:
- Manual driver distractions that involve any action causing truckers to take their hands off the steering wheel
- Visual trucker distractions cause them to take their eyes off the road, such as reading a text message or changing the radio station
- Cognitive truck driver distractions are any action causing their mind to drift away from operating the truck safely, such as daydreaming
During the consultation, an attorney experienced with distracted driving truck crashes in Mount Dora could answer questions about the different causes.
Examples of Truck Driver Distractions
Some examples of truck driver distractions include:
- Reading, creating, or sending text messages
- Talking on the cell phone
- Adjusting the navigation or radio
- Reading written directions or maps
- Taking their eyes off the road to look at accidents, also called rubbernecking
- Browsing the internet or watching videos
- Talking to passengers riding in the cab with them
- Smoking cigarettes
When a trucker causes an accident in Mount Dora because they are distracted, those injured have the legal right to seek legal action and collect a settlement to cover their damages. A lawyer could investigate to find the cause and help gather the essential evidence needed to establish liability in civil court.
Texting and Driving is Strictly Prohibited
Florida has a strict ban on texting while driving for all motorists, including truck drivers. Under Florida Statute § 316.305, it is unlawful for drivers to use their hands for wireless communications devices, including talking on the phone, watching videos, scrolling on the internet, or texting.
Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibits truck drivers with commercial driver’s licenses from using handheld cell phones except in emergencies. Receiving a driving citation or causing a crash while failing to adhere to safety standards could result in fines and temporary or permanent loss of a trucker’s CDL and job in the trucking industry.
Speak With an Attorney Knowledgeable About Mount Dora Distracted Driving Truck Accidents
If a distracted trucker caused you to get into an avoidable crash, you have every right to seek damages to hold them legally and financially responsible for their carelessness. Driver distractions are a substantial cause of collisions nationwide for all drivers. Truck drivers are legally obligated to operate their vehicles safely and avoid causing harm to others.
Schedule a meeting with a hard-working lawyer experienced with distracted driving truck accidents in Mount Dora to review your case and options. The sooner after the crash you begin preparing, the better your chance of winning your case and reaching a positive outcome. Call today to schedule an appointment and start working on your case immediately.
