Using Electronic Device While Driving Trucks
Distracted driving is a significant problem in the United States. Thousands of people die in accidents caused by distracted driving nationwide each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This alarming trend is partly attributed to drivers’ increasing use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices behind the wheel. And truck drivers are just as susceptible to these dangerous distractions, given the long, often monotonous hours they work. When it comes to large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, the consequences of distracted driving can be devastating, often leading to deaths or catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by distraction from electronic devices, you may be entitled to pursue compensation from the parties responsible for your injuries. The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have successfully handled numerous truck accident cases throughout Indiana, helping injury victims seek the financial relief they deserve. If you were hit by a truck driver who was texting while driving, contact our office today for a free consultation and learn how a truck accident lawyer could help.
What to Do Right After an Indianapolis Truck Accident Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices
If you’re involved in a truck accident caused by distracted driving, it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect your rights and safety. Knowing what to do right after an Indianapolis truck accident can help you lay the groundwork for a solid case. Here’s what you should do:
- Check for injuries – The first step is to ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. Check if anyone needs medical treatment. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road or another secure location to avoid causing another accident.
- Contact law enforcement – Contact the police to report the accident and summon emergency medical services. Once they arrive, give them an accurate account of the events leading up to the accident, but do not admit fault or apologize. Be sure to include any details regarding the truck driver’s distraction due to electronic devices.
- Gather information and evidence –After you contact the police, it’s essential to gather evidence from the scene of the accident. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, debris from the accident, skid marks on the road, and other relevant details. This might provide valuable evidence for your case if you decide to pursue legal action against the truck driver.
- Seek medical attention – Go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel any pain or discomfort immediately after the accident, symptoms of injuries could be delayed for days or weeks. Getting medical care quickly can help protect your health and support your case.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer –An experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance throughout the process. A lawyer could also represent you during settlement negotiations and court proceedings if needed. With their help, you’ll be able to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses from the accident.
Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your Truck Accident Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices?
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we understand how a truck accident caused by a distracted driver can impact your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Our nationally recognized personal injury law firm has favorably resolved thousands of cases and has been ranked among the ten best law firms by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. We are passionate about advocating for the rights of injury victims and providing the legal representation they need to pursue the full compensation they deserve.
For over 20 years, our personal injury law firm has helped ordinary people who were injured in truck accidents seek justice and compensation. If you hire Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, you can count on us to provide the following:
- Experience– Our attorneys have experience inside and outside the courtroom and prepare every case for trial to give us leverage when negotiating with insurance companies.
- Knowledge– Two of our attorneys have earned board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in personal injury law involving commercial truck accidents.
- Resources– We have the resources to take on big insurance companies and gather crucial evidence to build solid cases.
- Client service– We provide our clients with honest, professional, and effective legal representation, which shows in the dozens of favorable client reviews we have received.
Current State of Truck Accidents Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 people died due to distracted driving in the United States in one recent year. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) has reported that the odds of being involved in a crash are 23.2 times higher for commercial drivers who text behind the wheel than those who don’t. The FMCSA also reports that a driver who is texting takes their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, this equates to traveling roughly the length of a football field without paying attention to the road.
If you have been involved in an Indianapolis truck accident caused by distraction from electronic devices, it is crucial to seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Strategies to Prevent Truck Accidents Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices
There are precautions that truck drivers, trucking companies, and other motorists can take to decrease the risk of truck accidents caused by distractions. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you’re on the road and near a commercial truck:
- Put your phone away – Don’t use any electronic devices when driving. Keeping your attention focused on the road and away from your phone or other distractions is critical.
- Be aware of distracted truck drivers – Be mindful of truck drivers around you who may be distracted by their electronic devices. Be especially cautious when approaching an erratic truck.
- Keep a safe distance from trucks– When following or passing a truck, maintain a safe distance to give yourself time to react if the driver is distracted and suddenly swerves or drifts into your lane.
- Use hands-free technology – Opt for hands-free technology if you must use an electronic device while driving. This will allow you to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Trucking companies and truck drivers can also take steps to reduce the risk of trucking accidents due to distracted driving. These preventative measures include:
- Installing and maintaining electronic monitoring devices in cabs to detect and deter distracted driving
- Implementing a “zero tolerance” policy for cellphone use while driving
- Adopting an anti-texting policy for truckers and enforcing it strictly
- Educating drivers on the dangers of distracted driving
- Emphasizing the importance of maintaining attention on the roadway
- Not hiring truck drivers with a history of distracted driving or safety violations
How Our Attorneys Can Help with Your Indianapolis Truck Accident Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices
If you’ve been injured in an Indianapolis truck accident caused by a distracted truck driver using an electronic device while driving, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed. The experienced injury attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are here to advocate for the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you hire us to represent you, we can help with your Indianapolis truck accident by:
- Investigating the circumstances of the crash to determine who could be responsible for your injuries
- Gathering crucial evidence to prove that the truck driver was distracted by electronic devices, such as cell phone records, surveillance camera footage, traffic cam footage, photos of the accident scene, skid marks on the road, and data from the truck’s black box
- Identifying all possible sources of compensation, including insurance policies
- Calculating your losses from the crash, such as medical bills, lost wages, and damage to personal property, to help you pursue maximum compensation
- Negotiating with the insurers for a fair settlement amount
- Taking your case to trial if the insurance company will not agree to the compensation you deserve
Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in an Indianapolis truck accident caused by a distracted driver, it is crucial to seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our legal team has decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases and can provide you with comprehensive legal representation and advice.
When you meet with us during a free case review with our experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorneys, we will discuss all the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action for seeking compensation for your losses. We will review the evidence and explore every possible option for pursuing the best outcome for your situation.
Our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys understand how difficult it can be to deal with the aftermath of a truck accident. To arrange a free case review with our experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorneys, please call us at (800) 746-0226 or contact us online today.