When big rig drivers act irresponsibly and take their eyes off the road to send or read a text message in Beaumont, they are putting everyone around them at risk. If you or a loved one has been hurt, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys could help you file a claim and represent you during settlement negotiations or in court. Schedule a free case evaluation now to learn more.
How Do Texting and Driving Crashes Occur?
Any time drivers take their eyes off the road, they risk crashing. With large trucks, these incidents can have devastating effects, and in many cases, these crashes occur because a driver looks down at their phone or even reaches for it. This distraction may cause them to miss hazards, leading to collisions. In Beaumont, common truck crashes that result from texting and driving include:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Override accidents
- Sideswipes
- Head-on crashes
Semi-truck drivers are held to higher standards and special rules related to the use of mobile phones and other hand-held devices while driving. If a trucker is found texting and driving, they may face driver disqualification after multiple violations and penalties of up to $2,750 for the driver and up to $11,000 for the company.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
In Texas, it is illegal for the driver of any vehicle to read, write, or send a text while driving. Unfortunately, nearly one in five crashes tend to be the result of texting and driving. Hundreds die per year, and thousands are injured.
Research from the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration shows that drivers engaging in texting and driving are 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a safety-critical event.
How Does a Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claim Work?
After a big rig crash caused by texting while driving in Beaumont, filing a claim is just one of the steps in the process. Truck claims are generally complex, involving multiple parties, truck regulations, and a range of damages. Knowledge of the claim process, the truck industry, how to gather evidence, and how to negotiate with insurance companies can be essential to recovering fair compensation.
Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with and may try to minimize or deny responsibility for the claim. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a solid claim and strong legal representation. If settlement negotiations fail, an experienced trial lawyer could represent you during litigation.
What Compensation Is Available After a Texting and Driving Collision?
In Beaumont, you may be able to recover compensation for losses caused by texting and driving big rig crashes. These economic and non-economic damages usually include actual financial losses, such as vehicle damage, lost wages, and medical bills, as well as non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
Texas does not cap recovery in these types of injury cases. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries and the percentage of fault assigned. While the state uses a fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, it also has a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash, and your recovery amount will decrease based on your assigned percentage of fault.
Contact a Beaumont Lawyer for Assistance After a Texting and Driving Big Rig Crash
If texting and driving truck accidents in Beaumont have caused harm to you or a loved one, it is crucial to file a claim to secure fair compensation. An experienced truck crash lawyer could support you during this process.
The knowledgeable injury attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris may be able to guide you in taking the first step to just compensation. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation.
