Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Midland
Every driver on public roads has a “duty of care” under Texas state law requiring them to follow traffic laws and remain attentive behind the wheel. Unfortunately, not everyone drives as carefully as they should. Sometimes, a lapse of concentration can lead to a catastrophic collision—especially if the distracted driver is operating a massive tractor-trailer.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Midland can cause devastating injuries requiring expensive medical treatment and time off from work. When a careless trucker causes a wreck, working with an experienced attorney on a civil lawsuit may be your best option for getting the compensation you need for your losses. Reach out to Chad Jones Law today to discuss your situation.
Is Distracted Truck Driving Against the Law?
Like almost every U.S. state, Texas prohibits drivers from texting behind the wheel to prevent traffic accidents stemming from distracted driving. Furthermore, regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibit commercial truck drivers from using any kind of handheld electronic communication device while on the road.
However, other careless behaviors besides texting can lead to severe crashes. Common forms of distraction for truck drivers include:
- Reaching for something inside the truck cab
- Using a CB radio
- Adjusting a radio station or music playlist
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming
- Reading a book or watching a video
- Using a GPS system
Overly fatigued truck drivers are also more likely to be distracted behind the wheel. While there are FMCSA regulations for maximum driving time limits meant to reduce the risk of truckers getting too tired to drive safely, this behavior is not expressly illegal, like most other forms of distracted driving. However, our Midland lawyers can work to hold the truck driver civilly accountable for a distracted driving wreck, even if they did not technically break the law.
Truck Driver Traffic Violations
A driver’s distraction sometimes leads to a traffic violation, like running a red light. In these situations, an injured person and their local attorney do not necessarily need to prove how or why the trucker was distracted at the time of the collision. A civil claim for compensation could focus on the traffic violation rather than any possible distraction. The skilled lawyers at our Midland firm could investigate a truck crash for evidence of traffic violations or distracted driving.
Holding a Trucking Company Liable for a Distracted Employee
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their employees are thoroughly trained and qualified to operate their vehicles safely. Accordingly, it is often possible to hold a distracted truck driver’s employer vicariously liable for their employee’s misconduct. Our knowledgeable legal team could further explain the options for filing lawsuits against distracted truck drivers and their employers during a confidential consultation at our Midland office.
Talk to a Midland Attorney About a Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claim
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of truck wrecks across the United States. If a negligent truck driver severely injured you, you should be proactive about demanding civil restitution for your injuries and losses.
Guidance from dedicated legal counsel can be essential to achieving compensation after a distracted driving truck accident in Midland. Learn more by calling Chad Jones Law today.
