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Distracted Truck Drivers

When a truck driver is distracted, the consequences can be disastrous. A large semi-truck weighs thousands of pounds and can be like a battering ram if it hits another vehicle. Drivers of these large and dangerous vehicles have a duty and obligation to pay attention to the road and drive with the utmost care. When they fail to do so, others are suddenly in the line of fire. When a driver's negligence is the cause of your injuries or the death of a loved one, the driver and their employer can be held financially responsible.

If you or someone you care about has been injured as the result of a truck accident in Colorado, an experienced attorney at accidentdenver.com can fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve. We are here to fight for you and your family.

Distracted Truck Driver Accident Lawyers in Denver, Colorado

When you are involved in a distracted truck driver accident with a truck in the greater Denver, Colorado area, you need an experienced legal team to fight for you. Injuries sustained from truck accidents can negatively affect your life in both the short term and long term. If you suffered as a result of another person's negligence, you are entitled to financial compensation.

Our team at accidentdenver.com pride themselves on clear, honest, and open communication with each and every one of their clients. No matter how small or how big your case may be, the accidentdenver.com team will keep you informed every step of the way throughout the process and they will handle every detail seamlessly to put you on the road to recovery.

Accidentdenver.com takes cases on a contingency basis. This means that you pay nothing until your case has reached a favorable resolution. Let us put our years of experience to work for you and your loved ones.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving constitutes a significant number of accidents on Colorado roads. As technology, especially handheld devices, can do more, drivers are taking their eyes off of the road. Distracted truck drivers are an incredibly dangerous presence on the road, and accidents involving large trucks can cause major injuries or even death.

Distracted driving can occur anytime a truck driver allows their mind to wander or take their eyes off the road. Distracted driving can include but is not limited to:

  • Fiddling with radio or audio controls
  • Talking on a phone while driving
  • Looking at distractions on the side of the road (other accidents, police lights, pedestrians)
  • Texting while behind the wheel
  • Speaking with other drivers while on the radio
  • Mentally distracted by issues at home or at work
  • Watching videos or listening to music
  • Playing games 
  • Distracted by a passenger (if one is present)

Distracted Truck Driver Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), truck drivers who text while driving are 23.2 times more likely to be in an accident than those who are not otherwise distracted. It is against the law for truck drivers to use handheld electronic devices, and use of a handheld device may be the basis for a negligence per se claim.

Here are a few statistics to consider.

  • Truck drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash when reaching for an object.
  • Dialing any handheld devices increases the possibility of a truck accident by 600%.
  • A driver talking on a phone is 37 percent less focused on driving.
  • Nine percent of truck drivers in fatal distracted driving truck crashes were on their cell phone at the time of the accident.

Personal Injury Claims for Distracted Driving Truck Accidents

If you have been injured in a truck accident related to distracted driving, you and your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your property damage and for your injuries. A personal injury lawsuit is a powerful tool that can be used to hold a driver or their employer responsible for the damages you incurred.

The statute of limitations on personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents is three years. This means that, from the date of the accident, you have three years to file your claim, or it is lost. Failure to file within the three-year statute of limitations means that your case will almost certainly be dismissed, even if you have a valid claim.

Damages in Personal Injury Cases

In a personal injury case, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover out of pocket costs, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. These are more easily identifiable with a specific monetary amount.

Non-economic damages include more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. You can prove these damages and receive financial compensation for them with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a family member was killed as the result of a distracted truck driving accident, certain family members can file a wrongful death action to recover damages. A person can file a wrongful death action if that person is:

  • the spouse (or heirs with spouse's consent);
  • if no spouse, the heirs of the victim (children); or
  • a designated beneficiary

The parents of the deceased person can only bring a wrongful death action if the victim left behind no spouse, children, or designated beneficiary.

Wrongful death claims are limited by a two-year statute of limitations, one year shorter than that for a personal injury claim. It is crucial to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after the death of a loved one or your case could be lost.

Consult an Experienced Denver Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

Distracted truck drivers can lead to serious injury or even death. You and your family should not have to bear the burden of the costs of the accident, the responsible party or parties should have to bear that burden.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any sort of truck accident in the greater Denver metropolitan area, please do not hesitate to contact accidentdenver.com today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation. We are here waiting for you.

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