What Happens When Hit by A Distracted Truck Driver

Florida roadways are always crowded with cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Motor vehicles are rushing from one end of the city to the other, carrying passengers and goods. Accidents have become more common in today’s bustling times. Reasons can be many. Due to a large number of motor vehicles on the road, the distance between vehicles decreases. According to the Florida State Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), one in seven crashes happens due to a distracted truck driver. These accidents cause severe, life-altering injuries and often death to the victims. Back in 2023, around 300 people were killed in accidents due to distracted drivers’ carelessness. Distraction can take different forms, such as being engaged in a phone call, chatting with passengers, enjoying snacks, or texting on the phone, among others.  

The expert truck accident attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm understand the devastating impact of truck accidents on the victims. Our attorneys have handled several cases where victims have been injured only because the truck driver was careless. If anyone you know has suffered a fatal truck accident due to the driver’s negligence, connect with us soon. Our attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm will investigate the case, prove the driver’s carelessness, and help you win the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.  

Reasons behind Truck Drivers’ Distractions 

Driving a commercial truck or 18-wheeler is a challenging job. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road driving the gigantic vehicle from one state to another. Fatigue, sleep, and many other reasons are why drivers feel uneasy on the roads.  Driving a truck is a highly demanding job. Truck drivers have to pay close attention to the road, traffic, and weather conditions. One of the major reasons behind truck accidents on the roadways is distraction. 

Distractions usually come in four forms: visual, cognitive, manual, and auditory.  Some of the most common reasons behind truck accidents are – 

• Texting over the phone
• Talking over the phone
• Enjoying beverages and snacks
• Constantly checking the map on a phone or navigation device 
• Playing music and changing stations
• Wandering mind
• Highway hypnosis
• Talking to others inside the truck 
• Smoking 

Distractions are momentary, but the consequences may cost lives. Distracted driving is just as dangerous as any other form of careless driving. The distracted driver fails to react in a timely manner or notice potential hazards, which often results in accidents. When you take your eyes off the road for 5 seconds while you are driving at 55 mph, the distance is equivalent to the length of a big football field. And within that distance, the truck collides with one or more vehicles, which might turn out to be catastrophic. 

How to Prove the A Distracted Driver’s Negligence in A Truck Accident? 

It requires a strategic approach, attention to detail, and skilled legal assistance to prove a distracted driving case. The first and foremost step is to collect critical evidence to establish carelessness and distractions as the direct reasons behind the accident. An expert truck accident lawyer gathers evidence and presents the truth to the law. The most effective proof includes – 

• Eyewitnesses’ Statements 

Eyewitnesses’ statements can make a massive difference in the case formation in case they have observed the truck driver’s activities and distractions at the time of the accidents. 

• The Truck’s Blackbox Data 

The black-box tracking device in the modern truck models records information about the vehicle, its parts, and functionalities. For instance, the role of brakes is very important when a truck accident occurs. Malfunctioning brakes are a primary reasons behind distracted driving cases. 

• Truck driver’s phone records 

A truck accident attorney can access the truck driver’s cellphone records. If the truck driver were engaged on the phone at the time of the accident, the cellphone records would prove negligence. 

The attorney must prove that the accident that caused you injuries occurred due to the driver’s negligence or distractions. Along with witnesses’ testimonies, video footage can also establish carelessness. Our skilled truck driver accident attorney at Injury Assistance Law Firm has years of experience and expertise in handling similar personal injury cases and knows how to prepare a solid claim on behalf of the victim.  

Calculating the Settlement Worth of A Truck Crash Caused by Distraction 

The compensation recovery process of a distracted truck accident is complex. The victim steps into the legal maze while dealing with rising medical expenses, physical injuries, and mental trauma. The victim may be off work during the recovery process. The stress takes a toll on the victim’s and the family’s mental health. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a legal professional who is adept at dealing with truck accident cases. Our truck accident lawyers are ready to protect your personal injury rights and take necessary steps to ensure you receive fair compensation. If you have been hit in a truck accident by a distracted driver, the attorney determines your possible compensation worth based on the following factors. 

• Physical pain and suffering 

Truck accidents result in traumatic injuries. The victims suffer both physical and mental pain and distress for which the state law entitles them to compensation. 

• Medical bills 

The victims suffer the disastrous consequences of the truck accidents. They face rising medical expenses. Therefore, it’s critical to keep a record of all the medical bills while pursuing compensation. 

• Loss of work and wages

If the accidental injuries result in the victim missing work and losing income for a temporary or permanent period, the victim can secure compensation for those missed wage days. 

• Loss of potential future income

Some physical and emotional injuries might leave the victim with permanent health concerns that may limit the ability to work in the future. If that’s the case, you can claim compensation for the loss of future income. 

• Vehicle and property damage 

The victim can qualify to claim compensation for vehicle and property damages in case the vehicle suffers critical damage in an accident. 

• Wrongful death  

Unfortunately, you have lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by a distracted truck driver, and you can recover compensation for the pain and damages caused to the deceased victim. The expenses include medical bills and physical pain, mental trauma of your loved one, lost wages of the person, funeral and burial costs, and loss of companionship.  

After one is hit in a distracted truck accident, the victim’s family must contact a truck accident lawyer immediately to claim fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. 

Speak to A Florida Truck Accident Attorney 

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a commercial truck or 18-wheeler accident due to distracted driving, contact an experienced truck accident attorney in Florida. The sooner you file a claim, the higher your eligibility to secure the maximum compensation. Schedule a consultation with our truck accident attorney for a free consultation. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our expert lawyers are prepared to back you with sharp and aggressive legal assistance.