Distracted Truck Drivers Can Injure People

Driving through any large metropolitan area, and you’ll notice the large number of commercial cargo trucks transporting goods. With more than 500 trucking companies operating more than two-million trucks in the United States, it’s no surprise to learn that thousands of truck accidents take place every year. While trained professionals are supposed to drive those rigs, they are still human. They get bored after long miles on the road, and may start talking on their phones or messing with their radios for stimulation. If they lose concentration for just a moment, however, they can cause severe injuries to the drivers around them.After a serious truck accident, some people might hesitate to contact a law firm, worrying that they don’t even know where to start. Other people are concerned that, with all of their medical bills, they can’t afford to pay for an attorney. Stewart J. Guss and his team of truck accident lawyers are here to help! We offer a free consultation, and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don’t wait! Call us now, or you may contact us now by CLICKING HERE to learn more about how we can fight for the compensation you need to pay for all of your accident-related expenses!National Trucking Accident Attorney Stewart J. Guss discusses trucking safety on national news with Mike Papantonio on America’s Lawyer

Common Causes of Truck Driver Distraction

The term distracted driving refers to any action that takes the driver’s attention away from the task at hand—paying full attention to the road while driving. Distracted driving is quickly becoming a major cause of serious accidents on the nation’s roadways. Some of the more common causes of distracted truck drivers include:

• Texting - These days, it’s relatively common to see someone reading or sending a text or looking at their phone when they are at a stoplight, or even when their car is in motion. This is incredibly dangerous behavior. When your car is traveling at normal speeds, taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone for even a second can lead to a disastrous accident. Even though commercial drivers are prohibited by law from using their cell phones while driving, some still chose to do so. When the distracted driver is operating a large truck, the impact can be even worse.
• Looking at directions - Some drivers, especially those who are less experienced, rely on looking at directions to figure out the best course to take. Looking at directions on a map or a cell phone takes the driver’s eyes off the road. When a truck is traveling at highway speeds, even a one-second distraction can cause a serious accident.
• Driving while fatigued - Trucking companies are required by law to enforce strict guidelines regarding time on the road. These guidelines are called Hours of Service, and they indicate how many consecutive hours a truck driver may operate their vehicle before taking a required rest break. Although these Hours of Service are non-negotiable, many drivers ignore the requirements and opt to push through their rest break in order to deliver their cargo faster. Fatigued drivers are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, and are a common cause of serious truck accidents.
• Attempting to eat while driving - Another strategy truck drivers often utilize in order to save time and get to their destination faster is to eat while they are driving. Inevitably, this takes at least one hand off the wheel, and can also require looking around the cab of the truck for napkins and utensils. This is another distracting behavior that can lead to a tragic accident.

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a distracted truck driver, do not hesitate to call Stewart J. Guss and his legal team! We are available to speak with you about the details of your accident and help work towards a positive resolution.

Protect Yourself Against Distracted Truck Drivers

Prevention is your best defense against a distracted truck driver. Learn to recognize these common signifiers of a distracted driver. By doing so, you might avoid a serious accident.

• A truck that is swerving in and out of its lane.
• A vehicle that drifts into another lane without using a turn signal.
• Driving next to a truck driver at night, if you see a blue glow from the driver’s side, there is a good chance the driver is looking at a cell phone.
• A truck that doesn’t appear to notice traffic signals or stop signs.
• Drivers that suddenly hit their brakes for no apparent reason might be startled upon waking up or drifting to sleep.

If you notice any of these dangerous behaviors when you are driving near a large commercial truck, it is important to make sure you are able to pass safely. If you feel this is not possible, pull off to the side of the road or find the nearest exit. Then contact the highway patrol to report dangerous or distracted driving. By taking these steps, you might be able to prevent a serious accident from happening.

Understanding Your Rights After an Accident

After an accident, it’s easy to become confused and overwhelmed when considering your options. Insurance companies will attempt to contact you in order to get a statement that contradicts your claim, and you might receive conflicting medical advice. Remember, you are not alone! Call Stewart J. Guss and his legal team as soon as possible. We can help you work through the process and will explain your rights after an accident. Don’t let the insurance companies intimidate you into making a quick decision. We have years of experience putting together a thorough list of damages, and will work aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve!

Speak With an Experienced Distracted Truck Driving Law Firm

No one anticipates being in an accident with a truck, but when you’re in this situation, work with a law firm whose main goal is protecting your right to just compensation. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries to those involved, and insurance companies are notorious for attempting to minimize their settlement offers.For more than 20 years, Stewart J. Guss and his team of skilled attorneys and legal professionals have helped our clients receive the compensation they deserve after severe accidents. We put our clients first and understand that this is a difficult time. Because we take all of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe us a DIME unless we win your case. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so call us today or contact us now by CLICKING HERE.