Distracted driving truck accidents in Michigan can cause massive destruction. Anytime someone gets behind the wheel of any type of motor vehicle, they should act responsibly by giving their driving duties their full attention. When that driver is behind the wheel of a big truck, distracted driving can be even more of a problem due to the size difference between massive commercial trucks and smaller passenger cars.
If you believe the truck driver who caused the accident that injured you was distracted by something, you might be eligible to pursue a lawsuit for compensation. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Thurswell Law can help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case.
What Are Some Distractions That Truck Drivers Face?
Due to the nature of the trucking industry, commercial truck drivers often face pressing distractions. Some of these distractions include:
- Cellphones: Truck drivers frequently rely on their cellphones to communicate with their employers about deliveries and may also text or talk to alleviate boredom or loneliness during long drives
- Global-positioning-system (GPS) devices: Because truckers often drive on unfamiliar roads, they need to rely heavily on their GPS for directions
- Onboard computers: Many commercial trucks have onboard computers for drivers to input information, so some drivers may try to save time by entering data while driving
- Eating and drinking: If a driver is in a rush to complete deliveries, they often eat or drink while driving
Our skilled Michigan attorneys could carefully examine the evidence of the distracted driving trucking wreck to determine why it occurred.
Types of Distracted-Driving Truck Accidents
When distracted, the driver of a semi-truck can cause different types of accidents.
Rear-End Crashes
Distractions can prevent a truck driver from noticing changes in traffic patterns. When truck drivers fail to notice that traffic is slowing down or has come to a stop, they could rear-end the car in front of them. Trucks take considerably longer to stop, so truck drivers need time to prepare. If they try to execute a sudden stop, they might not be able to.
Jackknife Accidents
If a distracted truck driver suddenly becomes aware that they need to slow down or turn the wheel quickly to avoid hitting someone, they could be at risk of causing a jackknife collision. In this type of accident, the truck’s cab would stop, but the trailing tractor would continue, possibly striking multiple vehicles in its path.
Lane Departures
In just a few seconds of not watching the road, a truck driver could quickly veer out of their lane. This could lead to a side collision with another vehicle that is traveling in the same direction or a head-on crash with someone traveling in the opposite direction.
Due to their massive size and weight, trucks are more likely to cause multi-vehicle pileups. Regardless of what type of distracted driving trucking crash harmed you, our Michigan legal team could work diligently to hold the negligent truck driver and trucking company liable.
Call Our Michigan Attorneys After a Distracted Driving Truck Wreck
When distracted driving truck accidents in Michigan occur, the truck drivers who operate massive vehicles while distracted and the trucking companies that employ them could be legally responsible for the cost of your injuries. If you suspect the driver who caused your accident was distracted by something, you should consider filing a lawsuit.
Call our determined lawyers today for legal assistance. Let us fight for you, while you focus on healing from your physical and emotional injuries.