Operating a motor vehicle requires concentration and awareness to avoid other drivers and keep everyone safe. This is especially true when behind the wheel of a large semi-truck, as the massive difference in size and weight compared to smaller passenger cars means truck drivers must have significantly more skill and mental focus to maintain control. Because of this, there are federal guidelines that aim to minimize distracted driving truck accidents in Port Orange.
Unfortunately, some truckers and companies choose to ignore these directions and cause devastating injuries to victims. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a trucking crash, speak with an experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer at Rue & Ziffra about your legal options.
A distraction is anything that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, or their mind off the task, any one of which increases the risk of colliding with another vehicle. By far, the biggest distraction for any driver is texting on a cell phone because it does all three of these things. Some other examples include eating while driving, talking with another person in the cab, and even just being fatigued from not getting enough sleep or rest.
To discourage practices and behaviors that create distractions leading to crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules for commercial truck drivers in Port Orange. The most significant one is a strict prohibition on using a cell phone while driving, except to communicate with law enforcement or emergency services.
The FMCSA has other rules governing drivers’ working hours and schedules. Namely, truckers may not drive more than 11 consecutive hours, and must take a 30-minute break every eight hours of driving. In addition, drivers have a 60-hour limit over a seven-day period, or 70 hours in an eight-day period. The idea behind these limitations is to give drivers a chance to sleep so they are not fatigued while on duty.
Although the rules regarding cell phone use and working hours apply to drivers, trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring their drivers comply. For instance, employers need to set their employees’ schedules so they comply with the limits on working hours. Additionally, companies should implement effective hiring and training practices to ensure they have fully qualified, skilled drivers.
When a trucking crash in Port Orange is caused by a distracted driver, injured victims may file a claim against the trucking company and its insurance policy. The claim may recover compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages if the victim is unable to work. It may also be possible to receive payments for the emotional distress from experiencing such a traumatic event.
Having a skilled lawyer to deal with the insurance company could ensure that victims recover everything they need and deserve from this process. Sometimes negotiations can reach a fair settlement; other times, it may be necessary to take the claim to court.
Distracted driving truck accidents in Port Orange can be avoided by following the federal rules. If you have been hurt in a crash, reach out to a lawyer at Rue & Ziffra as soon as possible.
Our firm has been helping injured victims for over 40 years, and we are here to guide you through the legal process. Call now for a free initial case consultation.
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