Texting while driving is a leading cause of automobile crashes. Drivers should only use their phones in non-distracting manners, such as using hands-off features. Yet accidents still occur, and some involve large commercial semi-trucks. When truckers are glued to the screen of their cellphone while behind the wheel, they put everyone else on the road in exceptional danger due to the sheer size and weight of their vehicles.
If you or a loved one were harmed in a crash caused by a trucker who was texting while on the job, you have a legal claim worth exploring. It is a form of inexcusable driver negligence, and those injured may have a right to bring a claim for compensation to cover their losses.
For help proving your case, it is wise to turn to an experienced, board-certified personal injury attorney like those at The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs. If you were involved in a texting and driving truck accident in Southaven, our skilled truck crash lawyers can provide the aggressive advocacy you need and deserve.
Common Injuries in Texting-Related Truck Accidents
Tractor-trailers are much larger than the average car, which seriously harms those in the smaller vehicle when there is a collision. Some frequently seen injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Significant scars
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord and neck damage
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Death
Getting hurt in an unexpected crash can result in a mountain of medical bills, missed days at work, and damaged property. Our Southaven texting and driving truck accident attorneys can evaluate your case and determine the next step to get you relief for your losses due to a trucker’s negligence.
Proving Negligence in Your Texting While Driving Truck Crash Case
In any personal injury case, the injured party must prove that the at-fault party was negligent. There are four elements that the victim must show:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to act in a manner that avoids causing harm
- The at-fault party failed to uphold their duty of care
- The injured individual was harmed because of that breach of the standard of care
- The harmed person endured legally recognized injuries as a result
To prove these elements, the injured party must have strong proof. Luckily, many large trucking companies are required by law to keep records. Further, police reports and medical records are also important pieces of evidence; as such, it is important that you go to the hospital or get medical care right after the crash. Some of the most helpful forms of evidence can include:
- Medical records
- Photos of the accident scene
- Dashcam footage
- GPS system records
- Electronic logging devices for recording hours of services
- Trucking logbooks
- Witness testimony
Strong evidence can be the key to winning a lawsuit. Our proactive Southaven lawyers can help you collect the evidence needed to prove a truck driver’s negligence and obtain comprehensive compensation after a texting and driving truck accident.
How Texting While Driving Laws May Affect Your Claim
All Mississippi drivers are prohibited from sending, reading, or writing text messages, emails, or using social media while driving. Drivers caught texting while driving can face fines, which may vary based on the circumstances of the violation. These state laws include commercial truckers. State law enforcement officers and federal safety inspectors monitor truckers for compliance with the law, and violations may result in citations, fines, and marks on their driving records.
Truckers are subject to both state and federal laws and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) controls the safety rules of commercial trucking. These regulations are wide-reaching and apply to driver qualifications, equipment inspection and maintenance, safety procedures, and more. The FMCSA also addresses distracted driving: truck drivers are prohibited from texting or using their phones while steering. Violations can result in penalties like fines or driver disqualifications.
If you are considering filing a claim or need more information on how Southaven enforces texting while driving laws in truck crash cases, consult a qualified attorney at The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs.
Contact Us After a Texting and Driving Truck Wreck in Southaven
The sheer memory of colliding with a large 18-wheeler can be difficult to think about—combined with navigating medical bills, car damage, and other losses, life can feel like a nightmare. You may have countless questions and worries after a texting and driving truck accident in Southaven.
Our goal is to help you obtain fair compensation to cover your damages and serve as a source of guidance you can turn to throughout the entire legal process. We’re happy to review your legal options during a free consultation. Reach out today to schedule yours.
