Truck Accidents - Distracted Driving

Truck driving is a dangerous profession and demands careful attention at all times. When truck drivers become distracted by cell phones, the internet, or other demands on their attention, the risks multiply in epidemic proportions. Studies indicate that out of 93 commercial drivers who text, email, or use the internet while driving, 90 will become involved in an accident. Legislators have made texting while driving illegal for commercial drivers, but many continue the dangerous habit. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a distracted truck driver, you will need qualified representation from a firm familiar with the law and the challenges posed by a distracted driver claim.

By working with experienced car accident lawyers, victims can have some control of and participation in ensuring that their rights and interests are protected. Under Pennsylvania's laws, if you have been injured in a vehicle accident that was caused by another person's carelessness or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover damages that include medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please call Munley, Munley & Cartwright's lawyers for a free assessment of your case. We have offices conveniently located in Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Hamlin, Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Driving a heavy-duty vehicle weighing eighty thousand pounds is difficult even in the best of circumstances. Experienced drivers must pay close attention to traffic and road conditions because large commercial trucks are more difficult to maneuver and truckers cannot react as quickly as the drivers of smaller, lighter vehicles can. Distractions are lethal to a truck driver, yet many commercial truckers not only operate a cell phone behind the wheel, they also check email and go online. The results are disastrous for everyone on the road.

• A truck driver texting while driving is more than 23 times more likely to get into an accident.
• A truck driver is 5.9 times more likely to crash while dialing a cell phone.
• A truck driver is 6.7 times more likely to crash just by reaching for a cell phone or other device.
• Truck drivers typically take their eyes off the road for more than five seconds when texting.
• Given normal highway speeds, that five-second span is equivalent to more than the length of a football field.

Truck drivers know that using mobile devices including cell phones is extremely dangerous while driving. They are aware of legislation making it illegal for them to text behind the wheel. Yet even while operating a vehicle capable of crushing passenger cars and jackknifing over onto a highway within seconds, many choose to drive distractedly. Distracted truck driving is negligence without any doubt, but trucking companies have a vested interest in minimizing the damages they must pay out to accident victims hurt by their drivers. Trucking companies have their own legal teams who are familiar with the laws and how to use them to their clients’ advantage. If you are involved in an accident with a distracted truck driver, you need a well-qualified attorney who understands how to properly represent your claim.

The Munley, Munley & Cartwright firm has years of experience in dealing with truck accident claims, including distracted driving. We are familiar with all of the techniques that the trucking companies and their insurers may use to influence you to settle quickly and for less compensation. Trucking companies have a team of investigators, adjustors, agents, and lawyers to help protect them. As the accident victim, you need your own team of legal experts to protect you.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted truck driver, you deserve experienced legal representation from a firm that understands the challenges you face because of your injuries – a firm that is committed to obtaining the compensation you deserve. When truck drivers knowingly engage in behavior that puts others at risk, they must be held accountable – and you shouldn’t have to pay the ultimate price for their negligent and reckless refusal to drive safely.

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today online or call us toll free at 877-421-9173.