Texting & Driving

Legally Reviewed by

Allan Siegel

Ira Sherman:

The operator of a tractor trailer has a special responsibility because that, as a weapon, is way more powerful than an automobile could be if it struck you in the rear or anywhere. It is a comparison between a bullet of an automobile and a bomb of a tractor trailer.

Allan Siegel:

There’s a lot more involved in a truck crash case than there is in a car crash case. And not every law firm knows and understands trucking cases. There are federal rules and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry that they must follow, and a lawyer who’s handling those types of cases needs to know all of those laws, needs to know hours of service, needs to know how they’re supposed to keep their logs. I am on the executive board of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group. I will eventually be the chair of that group. I’ve worked with that group and been on the board for many years and have been working and have a deep understanding of trucking cases.

Joseph Cammarata:

If it’s a heavy use vehicle, dump truck, a garbage truck, U-Haul, tractor trailer, 18 wheeler, those are trucks. So we’re not just talking about 18 wheelers. Those big rigs that you see on the road.

Stephen Ollar:

It’s not always just the truck that’s at fault. Maybe the truck trucking company itself was negligent in not providing enough supervision for the truck driver. So there’s a lot that goes into it, and it’s something that we pride ourselves in.

 

Texting & Truck Accidents

Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyers

Drivers of trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers can no longer text while driving. The Department of Transportation has enacted a law prohibiting texting for trucks and buses in an attempt to curb distracted driving and improve highway safety. The law carries stiff penalties for noncompliance. Truck and bus drivers who are caught texting while driving may face civil or criminal penalties which include a $2,750 fine. So far, the new law has generated support from the general population and the trucking industry.

If you or a loved on suffered in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, Siegel, P.C., we believe that negligent truck drivers should be held responsible for their actions. If you suspect that your injury was caused by a distracted driver, it is imperative that you find an aggressive truck accident lawyer to represent your case today. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Dangers of Texting while Driving

As we become increasingly reliant on hand-held electronic devices in our daily lives, distracted driving has emerged as one of the leading causes of auto and truck accidents on our nation’s roads. Research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that texting while driving increases a driver’s likelihood of causing an accident by 20 times.

According to the study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers take their eyes off the road for approximately 4.6 out of every six seconds while texting. When driving 55 mph, this equates to driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.

Furthermore, texting while driving often results in other unsafe driving practices, such as drivers steering with their knees in order to free up their hands to text. The end result is a much greater likelihood of an accident. Any form of driver distraction is dangerous, but texting is especially risky.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting increases the likelihood of a wreck because it takes the driver’s mind, eyes, and hands away from operating the vehicle. Other distractions, such as eating behind the wheel, only take the driver’s hands away from the wheel – instead of his/her eyes and mental focus.

Truck Accident Representation in Washington, DC

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident caused by a distracted driver, the Washington, DC truck accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have handled many truck accident claims, and we have a strong grasp on both local and federal trucking laws. Over the years, we have earned several multi-million dollar truck accident settlements for injured victims, helping them move on with their lives.

Please contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our Washington, DC personal injury lawyers.

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At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf.

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The truck accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including Virginia  (Northern VirginiaArlingtonFairfax,  Woodbridge,  Manassas,  and Alexandria), and Maryland  (Bethesda,  Hyattsville,  Rockville,  Laurel,  Montgomery County,  Prince George’s County,  Waldorf,  Upper Marlboro,  Frederick,  Bowie,  and  Silver Spring).

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