Distracted Driving and 18 Wheeler Accidents: A Growing Problem in Texas
Distracted driving leads to almost 3,500 deaths and 400,000 injuries on US roadways, annually. In Texas new laws are being introduced to help combat this problem, particularly for commercial vehicle drivers on a yearly basis.
If you have been the victim of a distracted driving accident involving an 18 wheeler or other commercial vehicle in San Antonio, the Central Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help ensure that you maximize your compensation and hold all liable parties accountable for your crash. Our trusted law firm offers a free case review for all injured victims who suspect negligence on behalf of the other driver or their affiliated company. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a trucking accident, you may also qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Understanding the Dangers of Distracted DrivingOn average, 9 fatalities occur each day as a result of distracted driving accidents. Some common forms of distracted driving include:
- Cell phone use
- Eating and drinking
- Drowsiness
- Interacting with passengers or pets
- Reaching for a moving object
18 wheelers can be more prone to crashing than other vehicles. Some factors that contribute to this are:
- Wide turning radiuses
- Long stopping distances
- Poor sightlines
- Driver fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Additionally, distracted driving in a commercial vehicle can be even more dangerous than in other vehicles. For this reason, legislation has recently been passed restricting cell phone use by commercial vehicle drivers. This means that if you are the victim of a trucking accident in San Antonio Texas, the driver’s liability will be determined by very strict distracted driving laws.
How Does Liability Work in Distracted Driving CrashesLiability in all Texas motor vehicle accidents is determined on an at-fault basis. This means that an investigation will decide which driver caused the accident and that driver will be liable for insurance claims and lawsuits. In crashes where distracted driving is involved, the distracted driver will likely be considered liable.
A good attorney can conduct a private investigation into a crash on your behalf. This can help ensure that justice is served in the determination of an at-fault party.
Third Party LiabilityIn commercial vehicle accidents, vicarious liability may also come into play. This occurs when a third party, such as a commercial trucking company or contracted maintenance worker, demonstrates negligence that contributes to your accident.
In these cases, a San Antonio TX truck accident attorney can maximize victim compensation by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against multiple parties.
Important Evidence for Crash VictimsIn order to give your 18 wheeler accident lawyer in San Antonio the best chance to win your case, it is essential that you gather and maintain as much relevant evidence as possible. Some examples of evidence that may be important for your case are:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photo/ video evidence
- Eyewitness testimony
- Cell phone records
When pursuing justice following a distracted driving 18 wheeler accident, the value of an experienced lawyer cannot be overstated. When navigating the complexities of the legal system and pursuing compensation from powerful trucking companies, it is absolutely necessary to employ the assistance of skilled legal counsel.
In addition to representing you in the courtroom, your attorney can negotiate insurance claims on your behalf, gather evidence for you, conduct written correspondences, conduct an independent investigation, and provide invaluable emotional support.
Maximize Your Compensation and Pursue the Justice You Deserve with Carabin Shaw!At Carabin Shaw, our team of incredible personal injury attorneys have the experience you need to win your distracted driving 18 wheeler accident case. After reading our client reviews for reassurance of our quality, call us toll-free at 800-862-1260. Our wonderful English and Spanish speaking team is available 24/7 to set you up with a free case review.
We understand that winning the compensation you deserve can be essential to stabilizing your personal finances following your crash. That is why, at Carabin Shaw, we offer our services on a contingency-fee basis. That means that we will not collect any payment for our services until we have won your case.
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