Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Leander

Everyone who drives any type of motor vehicle in Texas has a legal “duty” to keep their focus entirely on the road and their surroundings while they are in motion, without letting anything inside or outside of their vehicle distract them. Unfortunately, not every driver lives up to this duty to the extent they should, including commercial truckers.

Distracted motorists cause serious injuries to far too many people each year, and distracted driving truck accidents in Leander tend to be particularly devastating. If you have been hurt in a crash stemming from this particular form of negligence, guidance from a truck accident attorney experienced with handling similar cases in the past could be key to achieving the best result possible from your case.

Proving Liability for a Distracted Driving Truck Crash

The most common way drivers distract themselves behind the wheel in modern times is—perhaps unsurprisingly—through the use of cell phones and smartphones. Reading, writing, and sending text messages while driving all increase the chances of an unnecessary collision. Both state and federal laws make it illegal for commercial truck drivers to text and drive while operating a tractor-trailer, and because breaking the law always constitutes a “breach” of the duty of care all drivers owe each other, any trucker who causes a crash because they were texting could almost certainly be considered negligent. This would make the driver liable for the consequences of their actions.

However, there are numerous other ways that distraction while driving could lead to a truck accident in Leander, from eating and drinking behind the wheel to changing the radio, scrolling through a playlist, or watching a video on the road. Generally, when it comes to truck accident litigation, the specific way in which a trucker was distracted is not as important as the fact that they were in fact distracted. If any distraction directly led to a truck driver causing a wreck that otherwise likely would not have occurred, they can face liability for the resulting injuries and damage.

Filing Deadlines for Truck Accident Litigation

Even if an injured person can prove a trucker’s distracted driving was the direct and primary cause of the accident and their injuries, they do not have an unlimited amount of time to begin pursuing civil litigation over that negligent conduct. In fact, according to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §16.003, most people injured under these circumstances must file their claim within two years of the incident.

Importantly, this deadline applies even in situations where the prospective plaintiff’s injuries are serious enough to cause permanent disfigurement or disability that will negatively impact them for years to come. With that in mind, it can be crucial after a distracted driving truck crash to have help from a seasoned Leander lawyer. Our legal team can identify the cause of the crash, evaluate losses, and help a plaintiff protect their rights during their case process.

Contact a Leander Attorney After a Distracted Driving Truck Accident

Driving while distracted is one of the most dangerous behaviors anyone can engage in behind the wheel, and that is especially true for people driving a tractor-trailer weighing tens of thousands of pounds. If you were injured recently in a wreck caused by a distracted trucker, you may not have long to construct, file, and proactively pursue a civil claim.

Fortunately, a hardworking lawyer can help after distracted driving truck accidents in Leander. Call today to learn more.