Driving while distracted is a dangerous behavior in any situation, but it is especially risky for the operators of commercial vehicles. An 18-wheeler is much larger than a passenger car, outweighing it by 20 times or more.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a distracted driving truck accident in Tallahassee, you have the right to seek compensation. While a civil suit might sound overwhelming in the aftermath of a serious injury, you have the option to seek out a skilled truck crash attorney for help.
How Truck Drivers Become Distracted
There are a variety of ways a Tallahassee truck operator might become distracted while driving and cause an accident. Distractions can typically be classified into one of the following three categories:
Manual Distractions
A manual—or physical—distraction involves a driver removing one or both hands from the wheel for a task unrelated to the operation of a commercial vehicle. This could include grooming, eating, or even changing the radio station. Having both hands on the wheel increases a driver’s control and reduces the risk of an accident.
Visual Distractions
A visual distraction is something that draws a truck driver’s vision away from the road in front of them. Examples include the driver looking at a phone to read a text message or even attempting to read a book while sitting in traffic.
It is dangerous for a truck operator to look away from the road for even an instant, especially when driving at high speeds. Trucks can travel a long stretch of roadway in seconds, so if the driver looks away, they may not have time to react to a hazard, such as a vehicle slowing in front of them.
Mental Distractions
Drivers are mentally distracted when their focus is on something other than driving. This could include daydreaming or getting lost in conversation with a passenger. When a truck operator is not paying attention, they are more likely to cause a crash.
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Evidence of Negligence in a Crash
Building a winning case for compensation after a distracted driving truck accident requires evidence. In order for any personal injury case to be successful, there must be proof of negligence. The good news is that establishing that the Tallahassee truck driver who caused the crash was distracted at the time is strong evidence that they acted negligently.
Different pieces of evidence could ultimately make the case for negligence. An attorney will first conduct an investigation by interviewing the injury victim, reviewing the police report, and evaluating the existing evidence. They will also look for additional proof, such as an admission from the truck driver that they were texting or distracted in some other manner.
In certain cases, digital evidence could prove the operator was not paying attention. This could come in the form of phone records that establish they were texting or watching videos while driving.
The benefit of relying on an attorney who not only understands the law but also deeply cares about the outcome of the case is that they will work hard to build the strongest argument for negligence possible.
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Speak to an Attorney in Tallahassee About Distracted Driving Truck Accidents
If you were hurt in a distracted driving truck accident in Tallahassee, you have the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. Doing so might seem difficult, but you also have the right to hire legal counsel. A seasoned attorney could work with you to secure the best available outcome. Reach out to our team at Fasig | Brooks for the compassionate legal support you deserve.
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