San Antonio Distracted Truck Driver Accident Attorney

San Antonio Distracted Truck Driver Accident Lawyer Serving Bexar County

Driving a commercial truck can be a challenging job. Truck drivers need to be in full control of a large, complex vehicle, and in addition to steering, shifting gears, applying brakes, and monitoring various systems, they will also need to pay close attention to other vehicles and obey all traffic signs and signals. Even if a driver just makes a small mistake, this could lead to a dangerous or deadly truck wreck. There are a number of factors that can increase the risks of an accident, including different forms of driver negligence. Of these, distracted driving is one of the most common issues that may lead to accidents.

When truck drivers fail to follow the correct safety procedures, they can cause serious injuries to others. Victims of 18-wheeler accidents will need to determine how they can demonstrate that a truck driver acted negligently, and they can do so with the help of an experienced lawyer. Alford Law PLLC has helped numerous truck accident victims establish liability by truck drivers and trucking companies, and we can perform an investigation following a collision to determine whether a driver was distracted or committed other safety violations. We work to identify the causes of an accident and hold large companies responsible for the harm caused to accident victims. If you have been injured by a distracted truck driver, we will fight for you to receive the financial compensation you need and deserve.

Dangerous Distractions That Can Lead to Truck Wrecks

Truck drivers need to be able to focus their attention completely on driving safely. They need to be aware of speed limits, traffic signs and signals, markings on the road, and the position and movements of other vehicles, and they must be ready to respond at a moment's notice. They may need to act quickly to slow down or move to avoid other vehicles or obstacles in the road. Because 18-wheelers require more time and distance to slow down and stop, a truck driver will need to maintain enough distance between their truck and other vehicles, and they will need to avoid any actions that could endanger others. Anything that distracts a truck driver and takes their attention away from the road may affect their ability to control their truck, respond to changes, and avoid a collision.

Common distractions that affect truck drivers include:

• Cell phone use - Making phone calls while driving can be very dangerous. Calls from a handheld cell phone will require a truck driver to take one hand off the wheel, which can affect their ability to maintain control of their truck. However, even calls made using hands-free devices can distract a driver, since they will be paying attention to their conversation rather than what is happening on the road around them. Texting while driving can be even more dangerous since it will require a truck driver to take at least one hand off the wheel and look away from the road to read or send a text message. Failing to pay attention for even a few seconds may cause a driver to fail to notice important details, leading to a dangerous collision.
• Dispatching devices - Truck drivers will often use equipment in a truck to log the time and distance they have driven or to navigate to their destination. Paying attention to these devices can cause a driver to look away from the road, and these distractions may affect their ability to notice and respond to what is happening around them.
• Radios and other electronic devices - CB radios allow truck drivers to communicate with each other, but paying attention to a conversation can affect a person's ability to remain in control of their truck. Multiple other devices may also affect a driver's concentration, including radios that allow them to listen to music, news, or talk shows, controls for heat and air conditioning, or GPS navigation systems.
• Eating and drinking - When truck drivers spend long hours on the road, they may attempt to eat meals or snacks while driving, and they may drink beverages such as water, soda, or coffee. However, doing so will require them to take at least one hand off the wheel, and it will increase the risks of spills or other distractions.

Contact Our Bexar County Distracted Driving Truck Accident Attorneys

Following a truck wreck, our lawyers can determine whether a driver may have been distracted and identify any other causes to determine who was responsible. We help victims pursue full and fair compensation for their injuries and damages. To learn more about how we can help you and your family following a truck accident, schedule a free consultation by calling 210-951-9467 or contacting us online. Our firm has offices in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Corpus Christi, and we provide legal representation to clients across the state of Texas.