Distracted truck drivers who fail to pay attention to other motorists can cause catastrophic collisions. It only takes a single moment of distraction for a truck driver to collide with another vehicle, fixed object, or pedestrian.
When you are involved in a distracted driving truck accident in Oakwood, you could hold the at-fault party accountable by filing a civil claim for damages. Let a dedicated truck accident attorney assist with investigating the accident, identifying the distraction that caused the crash, and collecting fair compensation on your behalf.
A commercial truck driver is responsible for avoiding any type of distraction that could take their attention off the road. In general, distractions fall into three categories: visual, physical, and mental. It is not uncommon for truck drivers to cause accidents when navigating multiple sources of distraction simultaneously.
Visual distractions are anything that draws a truck driver’s eyes away from the road. Road conditions can change quickly, making this type of distraction especially dangerous. Even looking away from the road for short periods can lead to catastrophic accidents. Some examples of visual distractions include texting, scrolling through social media, or watching streaming videos.
Physical distractions involve any activity that causes a driver’s hands to move away from their primary task—controlling the steering wheel. Driving a commercial truck always requires having two hands on the wheel, and removing one hand can lead to losing control of the vehicle. Examples of physical distractions include eating, drinking, grooming, or manipulating the radio controls.
Mental distractions involve any cognitive activity—like daydreaming or conversing on speakerphone—that diverts a truck driver’s focus from the road. A momentary lack of mental focus could prevent a truck driver from responding in time to avoid a collision. An Oakwood attorney could investigate a truck accident by looking at phone records and any video surveillance to determine whether a driver was negligently distracted.
Collisions involving distracted truck drivers often result in severe physical and emotional harm. Navigating the recovery process can be especially difficult when having to take time off work while paying for medical bills. Compensation from injury claims is intended to alleviate these financial burdens. An experienced Oakwood attorney could help potential plaintiffs recover the following types of damages after a truck crash caused by distracted driving:
Compensation should cover current and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in an accident. These payments could cover the costs of surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation sessions, medications, and any other necessary treatments.
If an accident leads to someone experiencing a temporary or permanent disability, compensation should encompass their lost wages during recovery and potential future loss of earning potential.
For many people, the damage to their personal property in a truck crash has serious financial consequences. Most property claims involve damage to the vehicle struck by the distracted truck driver. It is worth noting that items within a vehicle—including laptops and mobile devices—could also be compensable if they were destroyed in the crash.
Truck crashes can have devastating consequences for an entire family. If a distracted driver was responsible for these damages, you could seek financial compensation to help support you and your family through this time.
Handling these claims on your own is risky. The right attorney could provide you with the resources needed to succeed in your personal injury case. Reach out to an attorney at Smith Hulsey Law to discuss your legal options after a distracted driving truck accident in Oakwood.
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