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.