Commercial trucks, unlike regular automobiles, are complex machines that require specialized licensing and training. Additionally, commercial trucks weigh 40-tons on average. Accordingly, when a distracted truck driver who is operating a fully loaded, 40-ton vehicle causes a collision, the consequences can be severe if not outright catastrophic.
If you or your loved one was involved in a truck accident caused by a distracted truck driver, you have the right to hold the truck driver (and, possibly, the trucking company) legally liable for your damages. Distracted driving is a form of negligence, and you should not have to suffer the life-altering consequences of this negligence on your own. Our Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. truck accident lawyers can help you seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, disability, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us online or call (410) 995-1515 today to request a free initial consultation.
Types of Distractions
Sadly, distracted driving is a common cause of many motor vehicle collisions, including large truck crashes. And, because operating a commercial truck is more complex than operating a normal passenger vehicle, truck drivers are perhaps even more likely to become distracted while traveling along the highway or on city streets. Additionally, commercial truck drivers spend many hours in isolation, traveling great distances. This increases the likelihood of driver fatigue.
Some of the most common types of truck driver distractions include:
- Dashboard Distractions: Commercial vehicles tend to have more systems and instruments that drivers must monitor compared to what is found on the dashboard of a regular automobile. Accordingly, a truck driver must spend more time and attention monitoring these systems along with observing the road.
- Navigation: In addition to more complex systems and dashboard instruments, commercial trucks are usually equipped with additional navigation and communication devices, such as GPS guidance systems and two-way radio systems. Truck drivers usually operate these systems while also operating their vehicles.
- Cell Phones: Like anyone else, truck drivers have—and often use—cell phones while driving. Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but in some areas of the country, it is also illegal. Considering the isolated conditions in which they work, however, it is unsurprising that truck drivers are fairly likely to text or talk on the phone while driving. In some cases, they may even use their cell phones to look at social media, send or read emails, and engage in other distracting behaviors.
- Eating and Drinking: Due to the long hours truckers must drive, they often eat and/or drink behind the wheel. This can be very distracting, as it can remove the driver’s hands from the wheel, eyes from the road, and attention away from the task at hand.
These distractions, along with the effects of driver fatigue, dramatically increase the likelihood of truck accidents.
Why Hire Portner & Shure?
Distracted driving truck accidents require meticulous investigation, as it can be difficult to prove that a truck driver was distracted immediately before and at the time of the crash. Additionally, the injuries caused by a truck collision can be catastrophic and have permanent effects. You need an attorney who can help you seek compensation for your immediate expenses, as well as your ongoing and future costs.
The Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. distracted truck driver attorneys at Portner & Shure know how to investigate truck collisions. Additionally, we know how to gather important evidence, such as black box data and cellular phone records, in order to build a case for distracted driving. Most importantly, our experienced attorneys know how to fight tirelessly to obtain compensation that victims deserve.
Put 20+ Years of Experience on Your Side
If you were injured in a truck accident or if your loved one was tragically killed by a distracted truck driver, we can help. Our team offers free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe us anything unless/until we recover compensation on your behalf. There is absolutely no risk to you in contacting our attorneys for a case evaluation and learning more about how Portner & Shure can help you navigate the legal process.
