If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident caused by the trucker texting on their phone, you need the support of an experienced truck accident attorney. Here at Schechter Shaffer & Harris, we understand the challenges of texting and driving truck accidents in Baytown, TX. Our attorneys could work diligently to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We offer a free consultation to protect your rights and pursue justice.
What Are the Dangers of Texting While Driving a Truck?
It is dangerous for anyone to text while driving, whether they are reading or sending a message. It is even riskier for a truck driver. Commercial vehicles are large and need the driver’s full attention to operate safely. Their size makes it harder to stop in time to avoid a collision, and any oversteer or sudden mistake can increase the chance of a rollover or jackknife accident.
If a Baytown trucker allows a text to distract them when operating their vehicle, it can result in a serious crash. In that brief lapse of concentration, the trucker may lose control of the vehicle or strike another road user. Truck drivers often have only seconds to react, and looking down at a text can prevent them from avoiding an accident.
Texting While Driving a Truck Is Illegal Under Federal and State Law
Both state and federal law prohibit big rig drivers from sending messages while driving to reduce the risk of distracted-driving crashes in Baytown. Under federal law, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bans commercial motor vehicle drivers from texting or using handheld mobile devices while operating a truck. Texting includes reading, writing, or sending messages through text-based applications. Violations can result in fines, out-of-service orders, and other penalties.
State law applies the same requirements to commercial truck drivers and all other drivers under certain circumstances. The Texas Transportation Code makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle while manually using a wireless communication device to send text messages. Enforcement aims to prevent accidents, such as rollovers and collisions, which are common when drivers are distracted by handheld devices.
Compliance with these laws is important for safety and can be key to personal injury claims following truck accidents. We could identify when legal violations contribute to your case.
Pursuing Compensation From a Texting Truck Driver
If you suffered an injury in this manner, you can pursue compensation for your losses. Texting while driving in Baytown qualifies as negligent behavior under both federal and state law, making the truck driver, and sometimes the trucking company, legally responsible for resulting wrecks. Our experienced legal team could document the incident, including medical records, witness statements, police reports, and any available evidence that the driver was texting, such as phone records or black box data from the truck. You can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In cases where the trucking company failed to enforce safety regulations or ignored prior warnings, punitive damages may also be available. Working with an experienced lawyer ensures someone properly investigates your case, preserves the evidence, and files a robust claim to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today About Texting and Driving Truck Crashes in Baytown
If a texting trucker caused an accident that injured you, you may qualify for financial compensation. Our legal team at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could investigate the circumstances of the crash and advocate for full compensation for your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation and speak with a lawyer who handles texting and driving truck accidents in Baytown.
