4 truck driver distractions that could leave you with injuries

 Posted on April 10, 2017 in Truck Accidents

Distractions affect everyone throughout their daily lives. In many cases, you may not even realize that you have become distracted until something else catches your attention. Though distraction does not always have dire consequences, distracted driving can easily lead to a serious accident. If the crash involves a distracted semi-truck driver, the outcome could be devastating.

Though certain factors could impact any driver and lead to distraction, truck drivers face specific aspects of their jobs that could result in distraction. If you were injured by a distracted truck driver, you could potentially use that information as part of your personal injury case. Some common truck driver distractions include:

Cellphones

Any cellphone use, especially texting, can easily distract a driver. Texting and dialing requires taking your eyes off the road, at least one hand off the wheel and mind off the task of driving. In fact, distracted driving is known to be as dangerous if not more dangerous than drunk driving, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved.

Dispatching devices

For truck drivers, communicating with dispatchers is an important aspect of their jobs. However, if the dispatcher poses a distraction from operating the vehicle safely, truck drivers should avoid this form of communication and wait until the vehicle has stopped.

GPS/Maps

Though a GPS can help a driver navigate, it can also cause distractions if the individual attempts to type in an address or enter other information into the device while driving. Additionally, some drivers may attempt to use handwritten directions or paper maps, which can also cause distractions. If a driver needs directions, he or she should pull over.

Outside objects

Billboards, other drivers, buildings, scenery and a multitude of other features and goings-on outside the truck cab could distract a driver. Even if a driver only takes his or her eyes from the road for a few seconds, enough time passes for traffic flow to alter or other changes to take place. Once the driver returns his or her attention to the road, he or she may not have time to avoid an accident.

Addressing your injuries

If any of these distractions or other factors resulted in your involvement in an accident caused by a truck driver, you need to be aware of your options for obtaining full and fair compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may be liable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer or the party responsible for loading the truck. To ensure that you file your claim properly and present a meaningful case, you should consult with an experienced Texas attorney.