No one should try to operate any motor vehicle while distracted by their phones, especially not commercial truck drivers carrying thousands of pounds of cargo in massive tractor-trailers. Unfortunately, despite state and federal laws implemented to prevent this behavior, many long-haul truckers to text behind the wheel, leading to devastating collisions with life-altering consequences.
Texting and driving truck accidents in Houston can lead to substantial financial recovery through a civil lawsuit or private settlement demand. If you have been hurt recently in an accident that you suspect was caused by a distracted trucker, talking to a seasoned truck crash lawyer at Roberts Markland LLP about your legal options should be a priority.
Since the beginning of 2012, regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have formally prohibited anyone operating a commercial truck or bus with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds from using any handheld electronic device while in motion. This rule not only forbids truck drivers from texting behind the wheel but also bars them from holding, dialing, or reaching for a cell phone to make or answer a phone call while driving.
Likewise, Texas state law prohibits all drivers from reading, writing, or sending text messages while operating any motor vehicle. Violations of either rule can be punishable by fines and potentially other criminal sanctions, including jail time if someone texting behind the wheel ends up seriously injuring or killing another person in an ensuing wreck.
When it comes to civil litigation over texting and driving tractor-trailer crashes, the important thing is that this illegal act breaches the duty every driver holds to act responsibly while on the road. Therefore, establishing that a “breach of duty” like this was the direct and primary cause of an accident in Houston could be sufficient evidence for civil recovery.
Establishing that a truck driver in Houston was “negligent,” as defined above, because they caused a wreck by texting behind the wheel can sometimes be a very complicated process. For example, if there is no police report to refer to after an accident which includes a citation for texting while driving, an injured person may have to collect additional evidence to prove that their injuries stemmed from this negligent misconduct. Key evidence in claims built around texting while operating a vehicle can include the following:
A skilled legal professional can play a key role in finding, preserving, and effectively utilizing every bit of information possible to get a positive result from a claim.
Texting behind the wheel is an immensely dangerous and irresponsible act, no matter who is doing it. If commercial truck drivers engage in this kind of distracted driving, they run the risk of causing irreparable harm to multiple other people around them. Unfortunately, many Texas residents fall victim to these horrific collisions every year.
That said, guidance from knowledgeable legal counsel could be crucial to recovering effectively after texting and driving truck accidents in Houston. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your compensation claim.
