Texting Truck Drivers
Texting truck drivers are responsible for some of the most devastating accidents on our roads. Our legal team knows how to obtain phone records and build compelling cases against drivers who put texting before safety.
Texting while driving is irresponsible, reckless, and illegal in most states. Truck drivers are no exception to this rule. It has been illegal for big rig semi drivers to text and drive since 2010. There are good reasons for this – trucks are slow to respond, require longer stopping distances, and cause more damage when they are involved in crashes. For this reason, it's important for truck drivers to always remain alert and focused on the road.
Despite this, we've all seen distracted truck drivers. The Law Firm for Truck Safety helps individuals and families affected by truck accidents involving distracted driving. We work to ensure those impacted receive the support and compensation they deserve during their recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving driver distraction, our attorneys are here to help.
Federal Trucking Regulations Prohibit Texting
Truckers are subject to state laws and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The regulation regarding electronic communications prohibits all state and interstate truck drivers from using a handheld device for any purpose while driving. The only exception is when a portable phone is necessary to report an emergency.
49 § 392.80 is the federal regulation that prohibits texting. It states:
(a) Prohibition. No driver shall engage in texting while driving.
(b) Motor carriers. No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while operating a motor vehicle.
(c) Definition. For the purpose of this section only, driving means operating a commercial motor vehicle, with the motor running, including while temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. Driving does not include operating a commercial motor vehicle with or without the motor running when the driver moves the vehicle to the side of, or off, a highway, as defined in49 CFR 390.5, and halted in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary.
(d) Emergency exception. Texting while driving is permissible for drivers of commercial motor vehicles when necessary to communicate with law enforcement officials or other emergency services.
Unfortunately, many drivers disregard this regulation, resulting in serious collisions. During our investigations, our lawyers obtain cell phone records, in-cab video, and other evidence that can help prove that a texting truck driver was responsible for your crash.
Dangers of Distracted Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are held to specific safety standards when operating their vehicles due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. These standards require drivers to exercise heightened caution and follow strict safety protocols to help prevent accidents and protect other road users.
Driving a truck requires constant, acute attention to the surroundings. Truckers must be hyper-aware of traffic and road conditions ahead.
Because a tractor-trailer is a combination vehicle (a tractor attached to a trailer with an articulating point, meaning the tractor and trailer do not always move together), is longer and heavier than most vehicles, and decelerates more slowly, when truckers take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, it can result in an accident.
Our firm has more attorneys with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) than any other law firm in the US. This means our lawyers have real experience driving trucks and understand truck safety rules better than anyone else. If you've been hurt in a truck accident, we'll look at all the evidence to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve.
Proving the Case for Compensation
Evidence showing that a trucker was texting before an accident can strengthen your personal injury case by demonstrating unsafe driving behavior. And the individual driver, the trucking company, and other parties may potentially be held responsible for the resulting injuries or loss of life.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one because of a texting truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Incidental expenses
- Hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform
- Future injury-related medical treatment
- Reduced future earning capacity
You are also entitled to be paid for your physical pain, lost enjoyment of life, disability, psychological trauma, scarring, and other similar losses.
Our legal professionals are dedicated to helping you pursue the maximum compensation possible. Our lawyers will negotiate fiercely to hold the texting trucker, their employer, and other responsible parties accountable for the crash. However, if negotiations fail to produce an acceptable offer, we do not hesitate to go to trial and make a strong case before a jury.
Call Our Attorneys Today Regarding a Crash Caused by a Texting Truck Driver
Serious truck accidents involving texting drivers can change your life forever. You deserve experienced advocates who understand both the legal complexities and the personal impact of your injuries. Contact our team today for a free case evaluation. We're ready to stand up for you and your family.
