Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Philadelphia

Driver distractions on the road can play a significant role in crashes, resulting in life-threatening and fatal harm. For truckers, even small actions that divert their attention can increase the risk of an accident. Unfortunately, wrecks involving large vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, are often severe and can leave involved parties with catastrophic injuries.

Truckers must operate large commercial vehicles safely at all times. When their inattentiveness causes collisions, civil statutes allow you to hold them financially responsible. Meet with a compassionate trucking collision attorney for legal support in cases of distracted driving truck accidents in Philadelphia.

Different Forms of Distractions

Studies show that four primary forms of disturbances commonly lead to vehicle crashes, including:

• Manual distractions, such as eating or texting, that cause a trucker to remove their hands from the steering wheel
• Visual distractions, like using a cell phone to surf the internet, that take a driver’s eyes off the road
• Cognitive distractions that divert an operator’s attention, including talking to passengers or on the radio
• Auditory distractions that reduce the ability to hear as necessary to operate a semi safely

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all drivers avoid multitasking while behind the wheel, which include adjusting mirrors, eating, texting, changing the radio station, or anything diverting their attention from the road. A Philadelphia attorney knowledgeable about inattentive truck driving collisions could investigate to determine the cause and liable party for damages.

Common Commercial Trucker Distractions

Many disturbances can avert semi-truck drivers’ attention away from the safe operation of their vehicle. Some of the most typical include:

• Inputting information into electronic logging devices (ELD)
• Talking to other truckers on the Citizens Band “CB” radio
• Reading, creating, or sending text messages or emails
• Adjusting the navigation, also called the GPS device
• Reaching across the seat or behind them for items
• Adjusting a cab’s climate control
• Eating or drinking
• Daydreaming

During an initial consultation, a lawyer who handles claims for distracted driving truck wrecks in Philadelphia could answer questions about the regulations and civil court process.

Mobile Phone Restrictions for Truckers

Inattentive driving, especially using a handheld cell phone while operating semis, is a severe hazard for drivers and those around them. Therefore, federal and state laws strictly regulate truckers’ use of handheld communication devices while operating tractor-trailers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 18-wheeler drivers are nearly six times more likely to collide or almost crash from unintentional lane deviations when using a handheld cell phone.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of using a handheld communication device while driving a commercial semi could result in fines of up to $2,750 and disqualification for truckers. Employers who allow workers to use devices while operating commercial vehicles could pay up to $11,000.

Proof that a driver was distracted by a cell phone could also be submitted as evidence of liability in civil cases.

Call an Attorney With Experience Handling Inattentive Truck Driving Crashes in Philadelphia

When a distracted trucker causes you to sustain bodily harm and other damages in an avoidable wreck, you must hold them accountable for their reckless actions. Inattentive driving is one of the most significant causes of traffic collisions, leading to injuries and fatalities nationwide.

Therefore, federal and state laws prohibit truck operators from using handheld communication devices while driving tractor-trailers and other heavy commercial vehicles. Call a hard-working personal injury lawyer experienced with cases resulting from distracted driving truck accidents in Philadelphia today for more information.