Trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause serious injury in an accident. Federal and state rules are in place to prevent truck drivers from engaging in conduct which can distract them and lead to a crash. Despite these laws and regulations, however, many drivers and motor carriers allow or require behavior that takes the driver’s focus away from the road.
If you were in an accident involving a large commercial truck for which distracted driving is to blame, you may have the right to claim compensation for your injuries. Retaining a dedicated personal injury law firm is your first step to seeking the justice that you deserve. Connect today with the Garden City attorneys of The Saul Law Firm, LLP.
Why Is Distracted Truck Driving So Dangerous?
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — far more than the average passenger car. Because of this, even a brief distraction behind the wheel can cause catastrophic accidents in Garden City and across Long Island.
Common dangers of distracted truck driving include:
- Failure to check blind spots
- Unsafe turns or lane changes
- Delayed reaction times to traffic signals and hazards
- Longer stopping distances for heavy vehicles
- Increased crash force, leading to devastating injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles
Common Causes of Distracted Truck Driving
Victims must often prove what caused the driver’s distraction. In Garden City, common causes include:
- Cell phone and device use: Despite state and federal bans, some truckers still text, talk, or use devices. In some cases, companies allow or even encourage this.
- GPS navigation: Entering directions or adjusting routes while driving is dangerous.
- Fatigue: Truckers may push past federal hour limits, making distractions more likely.
- Eating or drinking while driving: Multitasking behind the wheel can lead to deadly errors.
What Laws Prohibit Distracted Truck Driving in New York?
Both state laws and federal regulations aim to reduce truck driver distractions:
- New York VTL 1225-C: Prohibits motor carriers from allowing or requiring drivers to use cell phones while driving.
- New York VTL 1225-D: Prohibits use of portable electronic devices (including laptops and texting devices) while driving.
- FMCSA regulations: Ban texting while driving and limit hours of service to reduce fatigue.
Why this matters: If a truck driver or motor carrier violates these rules, victims may rely on negligence per se, meaning the violation itself is enough to prove negligence in court.
How Can Distracted Truck Driving Accidents Be Prevented?
Multiple parties play a role in prevention:
- Truck drivers: Must obey laws, avoid cell phone use, rest as required, and log hours honestly.
- Motor carriers: Should enforce strict anti-distraction policies, monitor compliance, and invest in safe technology.
- Courts: Enforce laws and hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
When rules are ignored, victims need an experienced Garden City truck accident attorney to fight for justice.
What Damages Can Victims of Distracted Truck Driving Claim?
Each case is unique, but common damages include:
- Medical bills (current and future): ER care, surgery, hospitalization, rehab, medication, adaptive equipment.
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering.
- Lost earning capacity: If you cannot return to work or work at the same level.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical harm.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
Contact Our Garden City Truck Accident Attorney
After being in a truck accident, your main goal is to get your life back to normal. We can help you and your family reach this by fighting for the compensation that you need. If you are the victim of a distracted driving truck accident, schedule your consultation with The Saul Law Firm, LLP.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westbury, Uniondale, Hempstead, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.