Everyone knows that distracted driving can have dangerous repercussions. However, circumstances can be even more dangerous when these scenarios involve a truck. The mere size of a commercial truck can result in severe property damage and injuries to other motorists.
When you have experienced a distracted driving truck accident in Kingstree, it is best to hire professional legal counsel to represent you. Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could assist with navigating the legal system.
Our dedicated truck crash attorneys have extensive knowledge of trucking regulations and personal injury law and could provide support and advocacy. We are dedicated to pursuing justice for our clients and ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
Causes of Distracted Truck Collisions and Common Injuries
Inattentive driving is a leading cause of severe truck accidents across the country every year. Any number of distractions can cause a crash, such as:
- Talking or texting on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Fatigue
- Intoxication
- Playing with the stereo
- Focusing on the GPS
Distractions are anything that takes someone’s attention away from the road. The effects of an inattentive trucker collision can be catastrophic, with some of the most common injuries including the following:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Burns
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Psychological trauma
- Death
If you believe that the truck driver who caused your injuries was engaged in distracted behavior, you should consult with a Kingstree attorney. They could investigate your case to identify potential negligence.
How Driving Laws Impact Your Case
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 56-5-3890, it is illegal to use an electronic communication device, including a cell phone, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, or similar electronic devices, to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving on a public street or highway. If you are unsure if these restrictions apply to the truck driver who caused your accident, it is best to hire a lawyer to interpret the law on your behalf.
Federal Regulations on Truck Driver Safety
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking safety rules. These are wide-reaching and apply to driver qualifications, safety procedures, equipment inspection, and maintenance.
CMV drivers, interstate truck and bus drivers, and drivers transporting placard-able quantities of hazardous materials are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile phones while operating their vehicles. Violations can result in fines and driver disqualifications.
State-Level Truck Regulations
There are also state-level penalties for using a phone which are considered weak. Violation of the state’s distracted driving law is a primary offense. However, a police officer cannot seize or search someone’s phone based solely on a legal violation. For commercial truck drivers holding a CDL, violations can impact their records and potentially affect their employment opportunities and insurance rates.
Hiring a Kingstree attorney could be the most effective method for winning compensation from a distracted truck driving collision. They could prove that the trucker acted negligently and that their careless actions resulted in your injuries.
Call Us to Learn More About Kingstree Distracted Driving Truck Accidents
The size and weight of large commercial vehicles amplify the risks associated with even a momentary lapse in attention. Other parties involved in these wrecks often face substantial medical bills, severe injuries, and life-altering consequences. Survivors must understand their legal rights and the options available to them.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we are committed to providing compassionate and dedicated representation to our clients. Let our reliable personal injury attorneys help you navigate the legal process after a distracted driving truck accident in Kingstree. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
