While distracted driving is never safe, one could argue that it is particularly dangerous when you are driving an 80,000-pound truck down the interstate at 70 miles per hour or more. Unfortunately, potential driver distractions abound, and commercial truck drivers are not immune to them. Cell phone use has recently become a serious issue in the context of distracted driving, and the federal government has banned all commercial drivers from using handheld phones in order to combat the distraction risk that these devices can pose. Unfortunately, these regulations are not always observed, and even when they are, other distractions can be just as dangerous. Anyone injured by a distracted driver should discuss their case with an experienced Fayetteville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Truck Driver Distractions
Driver distractions are anything that takes a driver’s mind, eyes, or hands away from the functions they serve associated with the task of driving. In some cases, distractions may affect 2 or even all three of these faculties, such as is the case with text messaging. As a result, these kinds of distractions are particularly dangerous. Other types of distractions that may affect truck drivers can include:
- Grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at scenery
- Eating
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Reading
- Adjusting the radio
- Using a GPS device
Often, a driver who was distracted and caused an accident will not readily admit this information. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate the way that the accident occurred and determine whether any evidence of driver distraction exists.
Contact a Fayetteville truck accident attorney for a free consultation
Individuals who have been injured in a truck accident that they suspect was caused by distracted driving can often recover for the economic and non-economic damages that they sustained as a result. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.