The federal government recently made a rule banning texting behind the wheel for people with commercial drivers’ licenses (CDL). CDL holders usually drive semi trucks and trailers or even larger vehicles for hauling and delivery. This rule also applies to local and interstate bus drivers and commercial truckers of big rigs. In addition, some states banned school bus drivers from texting or talking on their cell phones.
Many transportation companies have smartly made their own policies against phone use behind the wheel, since employees driving within the course and scope of their employment subject their employers to legal exposure for injuries caused in a crash due to distracted driving.
Large Trucks Cause Significant Damage
are held to stricter safety rules than private drivers with good reason. Imagine the significance of the aftermath of an 18-wheeler semi truck on an interstate highway traveling at 70 mph or more with a driver who gets distracted for just one second in time.
Unfortunately, crashes involving semis being driven by a distracted driver are both horrific and significant, and continue to occur daily throughout the country. These tractor trailer truck accidents are catastrophic in nature, and life-changing or fatal to victims and tragic for surviving family members.
Almost all big rig truck crashes due to distracted driving could have been prevented had the driver simply focused on the task at hand.
Types of distractions that can be deadly include:
- Cell phone use, whether talking, texting, or browsing the internet
- Talking to vehicle passengers
- Eating or drinking
- Engaging in personal grooming activities (hair brushing, applying makeup, shaving, etc.)
- Reading books, magazines, newspapers, or maps
- Using a navigation system (GPS)
- Watching videos
- Changing a radio station, CD, mp3, or digital music device
Let Our Truck Accident Attorneys Help You
If you’ve been injured in an Indiana large semi truck accident because of a distracted driver, or if you have a loved one who has been in a commercial truck accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills; lost wages; pain and suffering; and other concerns.
At Sevenish Law Firm, we understand how difficult a truck accident situation can be. We’ll help you sort out the details of your case and also understand your rights under Indiana law. Our Indianapolis truck crash lawyers will fight aggressively to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact Sevenish Law Firm today at 1-800-278-9200 for a free and confidential consultation or download our free personal injury case guides.
