A commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, but a typical passenger car weighs just a few thousand pounds at most. This dramatic difference means that in distracted driving truck accidents in Houston, the smaller vehicle and its occupants bear the brunt of the force. If a distracted truck driver caused an accident that injured you, you could be entitled to monetary compensation.
Trucking companies and their insurers have significant resources and often leverage various tactics to attempt to limit their liability. They may pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. A skilled truck accident attorney from Mostyn Law could safeguard your right to pursue a claim from the earliest stages of your case and fight for maximum compensation.
How Does Distracted Driving Lead to Truck Collisions?
Common distractions take a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind away from the road, leading to delayed reactions and poor judgment. Collisions in Houston can arise from truck drivers being distracted by:
- Using mobile phones: Texting is particularly hazardous, as it engages visual, manual, and cognitive attention
- Using hands-free devices: Engaging in a conversation can take a driver’s mind off the road and slow their reaction time
- Using in-cab technology: Interacting with complex navigation and dispatch systems, entertainment consoles, and electronic logging devices can divert a driver’s focus
- Working overly long hours: Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to extended hours on the road without adequate rest
- Eating and drinking: For many drivers, consuming food and beverages while driving saves time, but it can require taking a hand off the wheel or eyes off the road
- Personal grooming: Activities including adjusting clothing or brushing hair can be a manual and visual distraction
A fully loaded semi-truck requires significantly more time and distance to stop than a passenger vehicle. Even a brief distraction that delays a driver’s reaction can prevent them from braking in time to avoid a serious or deadly collision.
Liability for Damages in Distracted Driving Truck Wrecks
A distracted truck driver who fails to operate their vehicle with reasonable care can be liable for damages they cause in a subsequent crash in Houston. If a truck driver is an employee of a trucking company and is working at the time of the accident (including transporting goods or driving to a work-related location), the company could share liability for your damages.
When distracted driving by a truck driver results in injuries, you could file a legal claim for compensation against the driver and their employer for medical costs, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages. An attorney from Mostyn Law could provide guidance and legal support throughout the process, collecting evidence to strengthen your injury claim and demonstrate the full value of your losses.
Get Help From a Houston Attorney if a Distracted Truck Driver Caused an Accident That Injured You
Distracted driving truck accidents in Houston are a serious issue that are exacerbated by the city’s extensive highway network and high volume of commercial trucks. We could help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and negotiate to get the compensation you deserve from the liable parties. Request your free case evaluation from Mostyn Law today.