(864) 582-0416 Every motorist should give their full attention to their driving duties. Distracted driving is a serious problem that results in devastating accidents. When the distracted driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial truck, the risk of life-altering and even fatal injuries is even greater. Unfortunately, texting and driving truck accidents in Spartanburg are a real possibility.
If you believe the truck driver who caused you harm was texting at the time of your accident, you might have the right to pursue a lawsuit for financial recovery. An experienced truck wreck attorney from Holland & Usry can meet with you for a free* case review to discuss the details of your case and explain the legal process.
Truck drivers are supposed to avoid engaging in any activities that could distract them from the task of driving. Texting while driving is particularly hazardous for truck drivers in Spartanburg because it simultaneously distracts a truck driver visually, manually, and cognitively, which can lead to accidents.
Texting requires a truck driver to take their eyes off the road. When a truck driver looks down to read a text message or email, they lose track of what’s happening on the road around them. For example, if the car in front of them suddenly slows down in traffic or stops at a crosswalk to let a child cross the road, the texting truck driver might not notice and would probably continue at the same speed, which could cause them to crash into the stopped vehicle in front of them.
Texting forces a driver to remove one or even both hands from the wheel and gear shift. Without both hands steering the vehicle, a truck driver could be unable to respond appropriately to a sudden change in traffic conditions or an emergency.
Texting also occupies a driver’s mind. Instead of allowing a driver to focus fully on the road, their travel route, and traffic patterns, texting causes a driver’s mind to wander. While the truck driver composes a reply to a text, they might miss seeing things that an alert driver would easily notice.
While texting is dangerous for any driver, texting truck drivers pose an increased risk of danger to others on the road due to the massive size and weight difference between trucks and most passenger vehicles. Big rigs can easily crush small cars, resulting in debilitating injuries to others on the road.
If a texting driver harmed you or your loved one, an attorney from Holland & Usry can work with your family to help you through this challenging time and restore your peace of mind.
Both federal and state laws prohibit commercial truck drivers from texting. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truckers should only use their phones in a hands-free capacity. If a truck driver violates the safety rules and uses a phone to text, they risk losing their commercial driver’s license and could face civil fines. An attorney from Holland & Usry can use that citation as evidence of the truck driver’s negligence in a civil lawsuit.
Similarly, trucking companies are supposed to enforce prohibitions on texting. If a trucking company allowed a truck driver to text—such as by repeatedly ignoring violations—the trucking company could be legally responsible for a resulting collision in Spartanburg.
Texting and driving truck accidents in Spartanburg frequently result in devastating injuries. Our law firm can help support you and offer you hope, guidance, and assistance as you fight to recover from your injuries.
Contact Holland & Usry as soon as possible to schedule a free* case review and learn about your legal options.
