Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

Distracted driving is highly reckless and a leading cause of severe and deadly collisions nationwide. This irresponsible action is particularly harmful for commercial truck operators because of the size and weight of 18-wheelers. These commercial vehicles can cause catastrophic damage in the event of a tractor-trailer crash.

You may have a right to file a legal claim to pursue monetary damages if you sustained injuries and losses because of someone else’s negligence. Speak with an attorney at our firm seasoned in distracted driving truck accidents in Westlake Village for help with your case.

Common Types of Distractions

Operator distractions can be inside and outside of the vehicle, and some of the most frequent types leading to 18-wheeler crashes include:

• Using cell phones for phone calls, text messaging, or browsing the internet is the most common and dangerous form of distractions
• Vehicle technology, such as navigation and the entertainment system
• Consuming food or drinks while operating tractor-trailers
• Conversations with other passengers in the cab
• Truck operator fatigue
• Cognitive distractions, such as daydreaming

Studies through the years show distracted truckers are at significantly increased risk for severe and life-altering or fatal accidents. An attorney with experience handling distracted driving truck collisions in Westlake Village could collect the vital evidence needed to establish fault.

Road and Highway Safety

Motorist distractions are among the most serious risks, making it a major public health and safety issue. While highly hazardous for passenger car drivers, the risk of accidents leading to life-threatening or fatal injuries is much higher when they involve much larger semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. The United States Department of Transportation- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that truckers must stay alert and focused while driving.

They must avoid activities that divert their attention from safely operating the vehicles and concentrate on distractions outside their cab. Some examples include billboards, other drivers, and accidents.

It is essential to give full attention to safely driving while remaining alert to their surroundings. Distracted truckers put themselves and others traveling near them at significant and unnecessary risk of harm in collisions.

Federal Cell Phone Restriction Rules

The U.S. DOT conducted safety-critical research to determine the effects of truckers using cell phones while operating tractor-trailers. According to the findings of the FMCSA, the probability of 18-wheeler operators making errors, such as deviating from the lane unintentionally and crashing, is six times greater when they use mobile phones.

Federal and state laws prohibit truckers from holding electronic communication devices for phone calls or any purpose requiring them to press more than one button. They may use hands-free cell phones, including voice-activated dialing, earpieces, and the speaker phone, while the device is near them in the cab.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties for those failing to adhere to the rules and regulations include steep fines for the drivers or employers when they allow the activity. Tractor-trailer operators could also face driver disqualification. During an initial consultation, a well-practiced lawyer could answer questions about the laws and recovery claims process after a distracted driving truck crash in Westlake Village.

Schedule a Consultation With a Westlake Village Attorney for Help After a Distracted Driving Truck Accident

Federal and state statutes closely control and regulate the trucking industry, including drivers and the companies employing them. The much larger size of commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, increases the risk of deadly accidents substantially.

When they fail to comply with the laws, and others suffer the consequences of their actions, civil laws allow you to pursue compensation from the liable parties. Meet with a qualified lawyer familiar with cases involving distracted driving truck accidents in Westlake Village to review your legal options.