Distracted driving is a contributing factor to many truck accidents in Florida. Drivers often cause collisions when they take their eyes off the road, stop concentrating on what they’re doing, or take their hands off the wheel.
If a distracted driver hits your vehicle, you can get help from a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can investigate what happened, gather evidence, and focus on building a claim against the at-fault motorist.
Does Distracted Driving Frequently Lead to Truck Accidents?
Distracted driving leads to many trucking accidents. Distracted drivers are more likely to cause crashes because they’re not paying attention to the road. Over 300,000 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted driving in 2024, with over 3,000 people losing their lives in these collisions.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a crash caused by a distracted trucker, you have a chance to seek compensation for all of the losses that you sustained.
Why Does Distracted Driving Cause Truck Crashes?
Distracted driving causes accidents because distracted drivers take their attention off the road. A distracted driver who looks away from the road for even five seconds while driving 55 MPH can travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Distracted drivers may miss other vehicles changing lanes, drivers braking or slowing suddenly, an animal jumping into their lane, or other hazards that could result in an accident.
Distracted drivers may also miss turns, stop signs, or red lights, causing them to overcorrect when they start paying attention to the road again. Any form of distraction on the road can prove incredibly hazardous.
What Causes Distracted Driving by Truckers?
Many different factors can distract truckers. Some of the most common sources of distraction include:
Cellphones and Other Electronic Devices
Cellphones represent one of the biggest distractions for drivers. Truckers and other motorists may look at cellphones to read texts, make phone calls, or even look for directions. Some drivers even play games on their phones while stopped at intersections, increasing their level of distraction.
Food and Drink
Many truckers eat their meals while driving in order to avoid wasting time while trying to do their work. Unfortunately, eating and drinking can take a significant amount of concentration, especially if things spill or make a mess.
Passengers
If a trucker has passengers with them to keep them company, they can prove distracting. Conversations or even arguments can take attention away from the road, increasing the chances of an accident.
What Should You Do After a Truck Crash Caused by Distraction?
After a crash, you should:
Report the Crash
After a trucker hits you while distracted, you should immediately report what happened to the police. The police can investigate what happened and create an accident report with information your lawyer can use when building your claim.
Get Medical Care
Trucking crashes often result in catastrophic injuries. You need to seek fast medical care for any injuries associated with your collision. In many cases, these injuries could include:
- Face and head injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Broken bones
- Damage to organs
Getting medical treatment quickly helps with your recovery, and it also directly connects your injuries to the truck crash. This direct connection can make it easier for your attorney to ensure you get fair payment for your healthcare costs.
Gather Evidence if You Can
If your injuries allow, you should get as much evidence as possible from the crash scene. For example, you may need to ask witnesses for their contact information. You should also get pictures of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries.
You may also benefit from writing down an account of everything you remember about the crash.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
Make sure that you reach out to a skilled lawyer for assistance after a collision involving a distracted driver. Getting help from an attorney directly boosts your chances of making a full financial recovery. You don’t have to try to navigate the legal process alone.
In fact, you can get a risk-free consultation immediately after your collision, allowing you to feel confident about your next steps. Your attorney can also explain why distracted driving often leads to truck accidents.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Contact Us After a Distracted Driving Truck Crash in Florida
So, does distracted driving often lead to truck accidents? Distracted driving is a primary cause of motor vehicle accidents in Florida and throughout the country. Drivers cause more crashes when they aren’t paying attention to the road, other motorists, and potential hazards.
You have legal options if a distracted trucker hits you. In this situation, you can turn to our experienced team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers. We’ve helped our clients secure over $250 million in compensation, and we’re ready to help right now.
