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.
Dangerous Distractions That 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. 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 forms of trucker distraction include:
- Cell phone use and texting — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations prohibit commercial truck drivers from texting or using handheld cell phones while driving. Violations can result in fines up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier.
- GPS and dispatching devices — Adjusting navigation systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), or dispatching tablets while driving takes a driver's eyes and attention off the road.
- Eating and drinking — Long hours on the road lead many drivers to eat behind the wheel, reducing their ability to steer and react to hazards.
- Reaching for objects — Reaching for items in the cab, adjusting mirrors, or tuning the radio can cause momentary loss of vehicle control.
- Fatigue-related inattention — Drowsy driving causes many of the same impairments as distracted driving, including delayed reaction times and reduced awareness. Driver fatigue and distraction often go hand-in-hand.
Why Texas Victims Choose Alford Law
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. We investigate quickly to preserve critical evidence — cell phone records, black box data, dashcam footage, and driver logs — before the trucking company can destroy it. With offices in San Marcos, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Corpus Christi, we are available 24/7 and never charge a fee unless we win your case.