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Distracted driving poses a risk to every motorist on the roadways, but it can be especially dangerous when the distracted driver is behind the wheel of a commercial truck. These large, heavy vehicles already have slower braking times and more extensive blind spots than other cars, so adding distracted driving into the mix can be a recipe for serious accidents.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Charleston County can leave drivers dealing with medical expenses, totaled vehicles, and lost wages. In these cases, a truck crash attorney could evaluate your case and help pursue compensation for your losses.
A distraction can come from external sources, such as an animal running across the roadway, or internal ones, like daydreaming or emotional distress. Driving requires continuous focus and manual control, and even brief distractions can pose serious risks.
Distracted driving is typically broken into three major categories of distractions: visual, cognitive, and manual.
A visual distraction is anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. This can be especially dangerous for commercial trucks, which are often driving on highways at high speeds. Even a brief moment of visual distraction can lead to a serious accident. The most common visual distractions on highways include digital billboards with moving images, stalled or wrecked vehicles on the side of the road, and roadway debris.
However, not all visual distractions come from outside the truck. Inside the cab, actions like reading a text message, looking at a GPS, or choosing a song can all pull the driver’s attention away from the road.
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s eyes are on the road, but their mind may have wandered somewhere else. Getting lost in a song or podcast, focusing on a phone conversation, or simply zoning out can cause a driver to miss critical information such as traffic signals, lane changes, or sudden stops by vehicles ahead.
To operate a commercial vehicle safely, a driver must keep their hands on the wheel at all times. Manual distractions involve anything that causes the driver to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel. Opening a food wrapper, entering information into a GPS, responding to a text message, or reaching for a dropped object can all cause a driver to give up full manual control of their vehicle.
At The Farmer Law Firm, our Charleston County lawyers believe that distracted truck drivers should be held accountable for the crashes they cause, and we are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Commercial truck drivers are held to higher standards than other motorists due to the size of their vehicles and the extended hours they spend on the road. As part of their mandatory training, drivers receive instruction specifically aimed at avoiding distractions. This includes guidance on proper use of in-cab equipment, restrictions on cell phone use, and cognitive distractions, as outlined in 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 380.
After completing training, truck drivers are fully aware of their responsibility to remain focused behind the wheel. When a driver becomes distracted and causes a collision in Charleston County, they may be held legally liable for any resulting injuries or damage.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Charleston County can result in life-changing consequences. Victims often face medical expenses, car repair bills, lost wages, and, in the most tragic cases, the loss of a loved one. In cases where a driver or passenger has lost their life, there may be grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you have been affected by a distracted driving accident, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. An attorney at The Farmer Law Firm could help evaluate the case, document damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court. If you have questions after a distracted driving truck accident, contact us today. Our experienced attorneys are here to help.