Miami Distracted Truck Driver Accident Lawyer
Modern life is filled with distractions. Even when we know it is important to focus on the task in front of us, there is always the temptation to look at our phone or shift our attention to something else, even if just for a couple of seconds. Unfortunately, such distractions can be costly when they divert our attention from safely driving a motor vehicle.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in South Florida. And when the distracted driver is operating an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, the consequences can be catastrophic. The Miami distracted truck driver accident lawyers at Pike & Lustig, LLP, represent victims of these preventable crashes. We know that there is never any excuse for a truck driver to take their eyes off the road–and when they do, you and your family have the right to demand compensation for your losses.
Understanding the Visual, Manual, and Cognitive Distractions That Can Affect Truck Drivers
Distracted driving is a broad term used to describe any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from actually driving their vehicle. This means anything that takes your eyes off the road (visual distractions), your hands off the wheel (manual distractions), or your mind off of driving (cognitive distractions). Some of the more common examples of truck driver distractions include:
- Texting — Like most of us, truck drivers are attached to their phones. But texting while driving is perhaps one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. That is why it is illegal in most places. Indeed, any responsible truck driver knows they need to store their phone out of sight while driving.
- Navigation Systems — Commercial truck drivers often rely on GPS and other computer navigation systems to keep them on course and on schedule. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), however, truck drivers should always program their GPS before hitting the road, as fiddling with the system while driving is a significant distraction that can lead to an accident.
- Lack of Sleep and Rest Breaks — Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. FMCSA regulations require truckers to take regular sleep and rest breaks to ensure they are not too tired to drive. Unfortunately, many drivers do not follow these rules and this in turn can lead to distracted driving behaviors, such as eating behind the wheel instead of stopping for lunch. Additionally, a tired driver is far more likely to face cognitive distraction as they struggle just to stay awake.
Reach Out to Our Miami Distracted Truck Driver Accident Lawyers
There is never any excuse for distracted driving, especially when it leads to an otherwise preventable truck accident. Victims of these horrific crashes have a right to seek financial compensation for their physical and psychological injuries, as well as their economic losses tied to the accident. Our Miami distracted truck driver accident lawyers can represent you in such matters. Contact Pike & Lustig, LLP, today at 561-291-8298 to schedule a consultation.
