Irvine Truck Accident Attorneys
Distracted driving is a serious problem on our roadways. Talking on a cell phone or texting are the most common distracted driving issues we deal with today.
But distracted driving can refer to any action on the part of the driver that takes his or her attention off the road. For example, eating, drinking, grooming, fiddling with radio controls, looking at the GPS – are all examples of distractions that can result in serious injury Irvine truck accidents.
Large commer ial trucks can be difficult to maneuver even when a driver has both hands free and is focused on driving. When a truck driver is operating a large vehicle while distracted, the consequences can be devastating.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
A distraction can be defined as any time a driver diverts his or her attention from the task of driving. This may include external distractions such as looking out the window or internal distractions such as talking on the cell phone or texting.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS):
- 8 percent of large truck crashes occurred when the drivers were externally distracted
- 2 percent of large truck accident occurred when the driver was internally distracted.
- In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) research, distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities in 2009.
Distracted Driving Law for Truckers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a new rule last year banning truck drivers from texting, using cell phones and other communication devices while driving. This policy has serious implications for interstate truck drivers who carry cargo.
The FMCSA in issuing the rule cited recent research by Virginia Tech, which found that truck drivers who send text messages on a cell phone are about 23 times more likely to get into an accident than drivers who keep their eye on the road.
On an average texting drivers take their eyes off the road for about five seconds per message.
During that time, researchers say, a truck can travel the length of a football field. Imagine the damage an unattended, 80,000-pound tractor-trailer can cause. Any truck driver who violates the federal texting ban is subject to a penalty of up to $2,750.
Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving
A truck accident caused by a distracted driver can result in major injuries especially for those in smaller passenger vehicles. Distracted driving truck accidents usually involve head-on collisions or rear-end crashes that involve several vehicles.
Injuries sustained in these types of crashes include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones and internal injuries. In cases where a distracted truck driver causes an accident, injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Families who have lost loved ones in distracted driving truck accidents can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages including medical costs, funeral expenses, lost future income and loss of love and companionship.
Contacting an Irvine Truck Accident Lawyer
An experienced Irvine truck accident lawyer can help victims and their families take the steps that are necessary to bolster their claim.
In a distracted driving truck accident, cell phone records are critical in order to determine whether the truck driver was on the phone or texting at the time of the collision. Such crucial evidence can get misplaced, lost or destroyed if too much time passes.
The knowledgeable Irvine truck accident lawyers at Bisnar Chase have a long and successful track record of helping injured victims and their families. We will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help secure just compensation for your losses.
Trucking companies are often represented by large insurance companies and powerful defense lawyers who strive to protect their best interests.
Immediately call an experienced and reputable Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer for a free consultation at 949-203-3814 or visit the Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys Newport Beach personal injury attorneys in our Newport Beach, CA office.
