Texting while driving is a significant cause of crashes leading to life-threatening and fatal injuries. When a trucker drives with distractions, the size and weight of the vehicle make the collisions especially dangerous. Therefore, it is illegal for any driver to text while operating a motor vehicle.
However, many people, including truck drivers, continue to do so while behind the wheel. When you suffer harm due to a truck driver’s negligence, you might be eligible to collect compensation. Schedule a consultation with an 18-wheeler crash attorney experienced with texting and driving truck accidents in Bartlett for help with a claim.
A truck crash caused by texting can lead to steep fines, civil lawsuits, and driver disqualification. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly prohibits commercial truck drivers from manually texting while driving. That includes using any form of a handheld electronic device to enter or read alphanumeric text messages or any action that requires more than a single button.
According to information from the United States Department of Transportation, texting is the most severe driving distraction. It requires the trucker to remove their eyes and attention from the road while also removing their hand from the steering wheel. As a result, truck drivers cannot safely drive while typing, reading, or sending text messages.
Traffic laws strictly prohibit all motor vehicle operators from texting messages with a handheld telecommunications device while driving on state roads or highways. Under the Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-199, it is unlawful for motorists to hold or support wireless communication devices while traveling on roadways. Texting includes writing, reading, or sending any text communication.
The regulation considers individuals in the driver’s seat and wearing a seatbelt as driving. Therefore, they must find a safe location, such as a rest area, to stop the vehicle and complete the action safely.
A person guilty of reading or writing a text communication will receive a Class C misdemeanor on their permanent record and pay fines that increase with each offense. A seasoned lawyer from Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, could investigate whether the use of an electronic device caused a specific truck crash in Bartlett.
Recoverable damages following texting and driving semi-truck collisions in Bartlett can vary and depend on the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and losses. After proving the trucker’s negligence caused the crash, the court may award damages to cover the following:
A proactive legal professional could help collect the evidence necessary to establish the total damages and losses a victim suffered and demand fair compensation through a civil claim.
Truck drivers operating vehicles with distractions, including texting, is a significant cause of severe accidents leading to disabilities or death countrywide. The act is illegal in Tennessee, and the FMCSA prohibits commercial vehicle drivers from texting.
When a distracted trucker causes a wreck that harms others, the criminal and civil court will hold them accountable. Contact a capable lawyer at Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, to learn more about texting and driving truck accidents in Bartlett.
