In a recent five-year period, the state of Oregon estimates that there were over 26,000 crashes and nearly 200 fatalities caused by distracted driving statewide.
Truck driver distractions are extremely dangerous, even more so when the driver is behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle like a commercial truck.
Driving a commercial vehicle differs from driving a passenger car, which is why it takes additional training and certifications. When a driver does not focus on the road and has their attention pulled away by distractions, the consequences can be catastrophic and even fatal.
The challenges don’t end there. While you are struggling to make ends meet, cover your medical expenses, and cope with devastating physical and mental wounds, the trucking company is already taking steps to protect itself from liability.
If you’ve been hurt in a distracted driving truck accident, don’t make the mistake of handling your case yourself. Instead, get help from an experienced personal injury attorney who can stand up to the careless driver and their corner-cutting employer to demand the compensation you deserve.
The Challenges of Truck Driving and Distractions
Truck driving is a challenging profession. It requires focus, specialized driving skills, and patience. But beyond the usual dangers of truck driving, operating a commercial vehicle while distracted is likely to end in disaster.
Commercial truck drivers face pressure from tight deadlines and long hours on the road. To relieve the pressure and monotony of the job, drivers sometimes engage in distractions like watching videos, texting, and making phone calls while behind the wheel.
The demanding nature of the job can also result in driver distractions, such as monitoring GPS data and coordinating with their employer via email or text messages. These behaviors should never be done while on the road. However, many commercial drivers feel pressure to stick to tight delivery schedules, causing them to multitask to save time. They may eat behind the wheel or even drive while drowsy to meet delivery windows.
Any of these behaviors can compete with the cognitive and visual demands of maneuvering a large truck, impairing crucial skills and increasing the risk of a distracted driving accident.
Impacts of Distracted Truck Driving
Distracted driving can lead to catastrophic consequences that disproportionately affect people other than the truck driver. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 70 percent of those killed in commercial truck accidents in a recent year were other drivers.
Distracted driving accidents caused by truck drivers can lead to death and a host of significant medical issues, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Other head, neck, and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Dislocations
- Thermal and chemical burns
- Soft tissue damage
- Severe cuts and bruises
Mental health conditions can also come from a traumatic commercial truck wreck. Many victims suffer depression, anxiety, and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Laws Surrounding Distracted Truck Accidents in Oregon
Oregon law and federal regulations help hold truck drivers to a higher standard than other motorists. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers from texting while driving and restricts the use of cell phones. It’s also illegal for anyone in the state of Oregon to hold a phone while driving.
Commercial drivers who violate federal distracted driving regulations can face penalties of up to $2,750. Drivers who commit multiple offenses can be disqualified from holding their licenses. Additionally, trucking companies and motor carriers can be fined up to $11,000 in civil penalties.
State and federal penalties are not the only consequences a distracted driver or motor carrier can face. Distracted truckers who cause an accident can be held civilly and even criminally responsible for their behavior, depending on the consequences. A distracted truck driver who causes an accident and their employer will likely be liable for any resulting injuries.
Holding an at-fault driver and trucking company liable for a distracted driving accident is complicated. Companies and their insurers go to great lengths to protect themselves from liability and large payouts. To pursue the compensation you deserve, you need an experienced and tenacious truck accident attorney advocating for you.
Claiming Compensation After a Distracted Truck Accident
It can be difficult to win compensation after a distracted driving truck accident. Truck accident claims are much more complicated than other types of accident claims. The evidence proving your case could be hard to recover since black box data, company logs, and other records belong to the trucking company. Without legal support and intervention, getting them to turn this information over to you could be nearly impossible. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and pursue evidence to build a compelling claim for maximum compensation.
An attorney can also take the time to calculate the value of your financial losses so you know what your case is worth. The value of a truck accident case varies depending on factors like the cause of the crash and severity of your injuries. Still, in many cases, an accident victim can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
You shouldn’t have to pay the cost of a collision caused by a distracted truck driver. Instead, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer for help pursuing the money you need to rebuild your life.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Truck Driving Accidents
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid a distracted truck driver. However, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself while on the road. Consider these tips for avoiding distracted truck driving accidents:
- Follow at a safe distance.
- Be aware of a truck’s no-zones or blind spots.
- Avoid distractions yourself.
- Be predictable and don’t make sudden movements.
We all need to share the road. By practicing good driving behaviors, you can protect yourself and others.
Call Today for a Free Consultation!
At Rizk Law, our legal team wants to help you pursue the money you deserve after a distracted driving truck accident. We have years of experience and pride ourselves on delivering results to our clients, including a $900,000 recovery for a commercial truck accident victim – and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you. Our past clients say we “Displayed the definitions of your best interests, justice, and patience.”
Contact us today for a free case review with an Oregon distracted driving truck accident lawyer, and let us put you on the road to recovery.