(864) 582-0416 Large commercial trucks like semi-trailers or 18 wheelers and UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery vans, make up a considerable portion of the miles driven on highways. While these vehicles provide important services that connect businesses and customers, they also pose serious risks. Truck drivers have a responsibility to avoid distractions and take precautions to avoid accidents that can be extremely damaging and even fatal.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Spartanburg can drastically change your life in the blink of an eye. Lifelong medical issues, serious injuries, totaled cars, and an overwhelming disruption to everyday life are some of the consequences a truck driver risks when driving with distractions.
If you were recently involved in one of these accidents, reach out to an experienced truck crash attorney at Holland & Usry for legal guidance. Call now for a free* case review.
No one should drive while distracted, but truck drivers are tasked with operating exceptionally heavy and large vehicles that have longer braking times and several blind spots. Driving while distracted in these conditions is an especially negligent choice.
Tractor-trailer collisions in Spartanburg can be caused by a few different types of driver distractions:
Manual distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the vehicle’s controls. If a driver is reaching for a dropped item, unwrapping or eating food, logging driving information while operating the vehicle, attempting to get something from another part of the cab, or otherwise removing their hands from the wheel, they risk an accident.
Driving safely requires constant visual vigilance, and truck drivers have to be particularly aware of blind spots. When a driver is distracted by electronic devices such as cell phones or in-cab tracking devices or by external visual content like flashing billboards or roadside activity, they put themselves and the people around them at risk.
Even when a driver has their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel, their mind can wander. Without concentration and focus, accidents are more likely. A driver could be mentally distracted by fatigue, listening to GPS directions, or having a phone conversation (even if it is hands-free).
Truck drivers are held to federal regulation standards, including special training requirements (49 CFR Part 380). These regulations include training protocols specific to distracted driving training. Certified drivers must receive training on visual attention, manual control, and cognitive awareness. However, it can be challenging to demonstrate the exact circumstances that led up to a distracted driving truck crash in Spartanburg.
An investigation following a potential distracted driving truck collision will likely include interviews with the driver and any witnesses, as well as evidence gathered at the scene (such as the contents of the cab and records of the driver’s phone calls and text messages). The truck may also be equipped with cameras or other devices that can provide more details about the incident.
If this investigation determines that the driver was distracted at the time of the wreck, it could be used to assign fault to the driver or even the employer (if the driver was not adequately trained or certified).
Distracted driving truck accidents in Spartanburg can cause serious injuries, major damage to vehicles, and cost a lot of money. If you were injured in a collision caused by a distracted truck driver, you will want a dedicated and determined attorney on your side. Your lawyer can help make sure the investigation is thorough and considers all possible negligent parties. An attorney can also help negotiate with insurance companies, advise you on whether or not to accept any settlement offers, and keep careful track of your ongoing damages.
Call Holland & Usry today for a free* case review.
