Distracted driving has become a large problem in recent years due to the advancements in portable electronic devices, built-in GPS, and in-car audio systems. Even when all electric devices are off or put away, there are still countless ways someone could become distracted while behind the wheel.
Taking one’s attention away from the road is unsafe in any context, but it is especially dangerous when operating a large truck. If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a distracted driving truck accident in Tampa, you should seek legal help right away. Our dedicated lawyers can help you seek compensation from the responsible party.
Dangers of Distracted Driving
Driving is a complex activity that requires all your attention. Given the size and weight of most commercial tractor-trailers, it is even more important for truckers to focus all their attention on the road. Any manual, visual, or cognitive distraction can cause a truck operator to lose control of their vehicle, run a stoplight, or hit a person or object near them.
It is well-known that distracted driving increases the likelihood of an accident, which is why many states, including Florida, have laws restricting cell phone use while driving. Given the severity of distracted driving truck crashes, it is crucial to speak with our lawyers about your potential case.
What Are the Common Distractions While Driving?
Any type of distraction while driving could cause a severe or fatal accident, especially if a truck is involved. In some cases, a truck operator may not even understand that they are distracted because they are so used to multi-tasking while driving. Some common driver distractions include:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting or sending emails
- Viewing or operating a GPS
- Changing the radio station
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Talking to a passenger
- Applying makeup, lotion, or other products
If you believe any of these distractions may have contributed to your accident, our legal team can help. Our lawyers in Tampa will work diligently to gather evidence to prove the negligent tractor-trailer operator was distracted when they hit you.
Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Florida law requires all drivers to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In the event of an accident, you must seek compensation from your insurer before taking legal action. However, your insurance policy may not provide enough benefits to compensate you for your injuries and losses.
In this situation, you can file a lawsuit against the negligent tractor-trailer driver. To succeed in a legal case, you must prove the other party is at fault. You may pursue compensation if you can establish the following:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- They breached their duty of care
- The breach caused your accident
- You suffered injuries and damages due to the accident
Every driver has a duty of care to follow traffic laws and drive safely. As such, any form of distracted driving can be considered a breach of the duty of care. An experienced lawyer can help you establish a direct link between the truck driver’s inattentiveness and your accident injuries.
What Compensation is Available Following a Crash Caused by an Inattentive Truck Driver?
There is no set amount of compensation that you can recover in a distracted driving claim. Every case is different, and the severity of your economic and non-economic losses will determine the extent of your damages award. After a tractor-trailer accident, our skilled distracted driving attorneys can help you recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, you may even be able to recover punitive damages, which are used to punish a negligent party and prevent similar conduct in the future.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You After a Distracted Driving Truck Collision in Tampa?
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time off work. If a negligent tractor-trailer operator caused your accident, you deserve to recover compensation for your losses.
Our team at Hancock Injury Attorneys has spent several years fighting on behalf of injured parties. We can help you build a solid legal case after a distracted driving truck accident in Tampa. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and get started.