With I-10 cutting through the city as a gateway to and from the western United States and a primary entrance into Mexico, El Paso roadways are well traveled with a large number of passenger and commercial vehicles. Drivers from all points domestic and international pass through the area at all hours of the day. Given the significant driving population, you would think commercial vehicle operators would be some of those most attentive and alert drivers on the road. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. El Paso texting and trucking have become a dangerous combination for drivers on Texas highways and roads leading to a high number of El Paso 18-wheeler accidents.
With the advent of mobile devices has come many unforeseen and potentially deadly consequences related to distracted driving. Almost 10 people are killed and over 1100 others seriously injured every day in accidents related to drivers using their mobile devices. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracked close to 3500 deaths and just under 400,000 injuries in automobile accidents involving distracted drivers. As you read this, it’s statistically likely that almost 700,000 vehicle operators are driving while using an electronic device.
No one can deny El Paso texting and trucking is extremely dangerous. Texting takes your mind and your eyes off the road for several seconds — long enough to get into a serious accident. The situation only gets worse when there is a commercial truck involved. All it takes is one split second for a commercial truck driver to look down at his or her phone to become completely distracted from what is going on in front of him or her.
Studies seem to bear this out. Drivers who use text while driving are four times more likely to get into accidents serious enough to injure themselves, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In an effort to address the issue of distracted driving among commercial vehicle operators, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published explicit guidelines addressing mobile device use by commercial vehicle operators. Interstate truck and bus drivers and drivers who transport hazardous materials are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating their vehicles. That means if the driver of an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle is using their mobile device resulting in an accident, that driver is negligent not only for the accident, but for any injuries resulting from the crash. If you’re injured in such an accident in El Paso or surrounding areas, you need a lawyer who will be dedicated to fighting on your behalf.
The aftermath of an accident with an unsafe large truck can be a complicated and stressful process, especially if injuries are involved. Large corporations own the 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles you see on our El Paso roadways. These companies may try to settle with you quickly, which could jeopardize any compensation to which you’re entitled. They will secure attorneys to protect their liability exposure against El Paso 18-wheeler accidents, so it’s important for you to have an experienced lawyer who will represent your interests. When you’re injured in an El Paso texting and trucking accident as the result of the negligence of a commercial vehicle operator, receiving the compensation you deserve is far too important to leave to chance. You need an El Paso texting while driving attorney on your side.
If a distracted commercial trucking driver hit you and you were injured in El Paso, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys of Carabin Shaw will work hard to get it for you. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe no attorney's fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Contact us today via email, or by phone at 915.779.2301 day or night.
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