Cell phones make life easier in many ways. They notify us about important events, they make information more widely available, and they can be very useful for navigation. Though they can be helpful, there are also hazards associated with cell phones. Using a cell phone while driving is a dangerous practice to engage in, particularly if you are a truck driver.
Large trucks are already at risk for being involved in more severe automobile accidents because of their size, stopping time, and wide turns. If a truck driver is distracted by cell phone use, they are putting both themselves and all surrounding motorists in danger of being seriously injured in a large truck accident.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a truck driver’s cell phone use, you may be entitled to compensation.
Types of Truck Accidents
There are several types of accidents that large trucks are typically involved in. A few common examples include:
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- T-Bone collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Override accidents
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Injuries Associated with Truck Accidents
Just as there are several types of accidents a truck driver can cause when they are distracted by their cell phone, there are many types of injuries that you may receive as a result of such an accident. These injuries range from mild to severe and can be devastating. Treatment and recovery can be complex and difficult, depending on the nature of the injuries. A few injuries commonly associated with large truck accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Dismemberment
- Facial and dental fractures and trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck trauma
- Concussion
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
Though these are a few of the physical injuries more commonly associated with such accidents, victims of large truck accidents may also experience psychological or emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of mobility, or disfigurement.
Dangers of Texting While Driving
Texting while driving can be dangerous for any driver, but particularly for those driving large trucks. Whether they’re sending a message, checking social media, or searching for something on a navigational app, cell phone use while behind the wheel can distract truckers from the job at hand and can have several different impacts on the way they drive:
- Impaired reaction time: Because all their focus is not on the road, truckers distracted by cell phone use will experience delayed or impaired reaction times. Large trucks already have longer stopping times, depending on their length and cargo weight, so the truck driver should remain as attentive as possible in order to avoid a serious accident.
- Reduced focus: Additionally, truck drivers who use their cell phone while behind the wheel are not able to remain as focused. This increases their chances of colliding with things they may encounter on the road, including other vehicles, crossing wildlife, roadside construction, pedestrians, and debris in the road.
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Truck Accident Statistics
A report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicates that 4,479 fatal crashes and 114,000 crashes resulting in injury occurred in 2019. There were about 510,000 large truck crashes reported by police that year.
A blog from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that crashes involving distracted drivers took the lives of 3,142 people in 2019.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
estimates that truckers who use their cell phones while driving are 23.2 percent more likely to be involved in a “safety-critical event,” such as an accidental lane deviation or a crash.
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Need Help? Call DeMayo Law Offices Today
Large truck accidents can be serious. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be to heal from your injuries and deal with your other accident-related losses. From receiving medical attention to communicating with insurance companies, there are many things to consider after being involved in a large truck accident.
The North Carolina truck accident lawyers of DeMayo Law Offices will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation to which you’re entitled. For years, we’ve represented clients just like you, reaching favorable outcomes and securing compensation for our clients for distracted driving and other accident cases.
If you’re ready to seek justice for injuries caused by a distracted truck driver, call DeMayo Law Offices today at (877) 333-1000 to set up your initial consultation.
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