Texting While Driving Truck Accidents in Jonesboro
Since commercial trucks can weigh several tons, even without any cargo, it is reasonable to expect that truck drivers will always give the road their full attention while operating one of these massive machines. Unfortunately, some truck drivers engage in bad habits behind the wheel like sending or reading text messages, and those bad habits can sometimes have catastrophic implications for other drivers.
The aftermath of texting while driving truck accidents in Jonesboro can be a confusing mess of vehicle repair or replacement costs, serious injuries, and potentially permanent disabilities or disfigurement. If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of comprehensive civil recovery after an incident, it is wise to have a skilled truck accident attorney by your side.
How State Law Addresses Texting Behind the Wheel
Official Code of Georgia §40-6-241 prohibits drivers from engaging in any of the following behaviors while operating a motor vehicle:
- Physically holding or propping up a “wireless telecommunications device” or “stand-alone electronic device” with any part of their body;
- Writing, reading, or sending any electronic text-based message;
- Watching any video on an electronic device of any kind; and
- Recording or broadcasting any video from a personal electronic or wireless telecommunications device.
Notably, these prohibitions do not apply to devices used as GPS systems, operated in a hands-free manner, or operable with just a single touch. Otherwise, any prohibited action is considered a separate violation of this section of state law.
If a truck driver is ticketed after a texting while driving truck collision in Jonesboro, the police report that documents their violation of state law will likely serve as strong evidence of negligent behavior. This opens up the door for civil recovery on behalf of the injured person. If no such police report exists, a truck crash attorney could help collect other evidence that might indicate negligence on the part of a truck driver or trucking company. This could include anything from surveillance footage to eyewitness testimony.
Establishing Liability for a Truck Wreck
Although truck drivers are directly responsible for negligent actions like texting while driving, they are not the only parties that can be named as defendants in personal injury lawsuits. In many cases, trucking companies might bear vicarious liability for their actions of their employees. For example, they could be liable if they negligently hired someone with a history of texting while driving traffic citations.
Filing suit directly against a trucking company and seeking restitution from their insurance provider can allow for much greater recovery than a lawsuit against an individual driver. This is especially true after an accident with injuries that have numerous long-term consequences. However, negotiating for a fair settlement from an insurance company can be difficult, especially without guidance from legal counsel. A knowledgeable lawyer could discuss what course of action would be best for an individual plaintiff after a local texting while driving truck crash.
Get Help From A Lawyer After a Texting While Driving Truck Accident in Jonesboro
When a commercial truck driver chooses to do something irresponsible behind the wheel, like texting while driving, other drivers who are doing nothing wrong often end up paying the price. Fortunately, you might be able to compel negligent truck drivers and/or their employers to compensate you for your economic and non-economic losses after such a devastating accident.
A conversation with a truck accident lawyer should be a high priority if you recently got hurt in a texting while driving truck accident in Jonesboro. Call today to set up a consultation.
