Texting While Driving Truck Accidents in Grapevine

Those who drive while distracted or text while driving can cause a serious collision. Drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash when texting and driving. Texting while driving truck accidents in Grapevine occur often. If you were involved in a truck collision due to a distracted driver, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Reach out to an experienced truck wreck attorney to analyze their case.

Who Regulates The Rules for Truck Drivers in Grapevine?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rules prohibiting interstate truck drivers from texting or using handheld mobile phones while operating their vehicles. Violations can result in fines and/or driver disqualifications and will impact motor carriers and/or driver safety measurement system results.

Drivers are prohibited from texting. This includes but not limited to SMS, email, instant messaging, a command or request to access a web page, or pressing more than a single button to initiate or terminate a voice communication using a mobile phone or engaging in any other form of electronic text retrieval or entry for present or future communication.

The role also restricts drivers from reaching or holding a mobile phone to conduct a voice communication as well as dialing by pressing more than a single button. Drivers who use a mobile phone while driving can only operate a hands-free mobile phone located in close proximity. In short, the road prohibits unsafely reaching for device, holding a mobile phone, and pressing mobile buttons.

Are Truck Drivers Able to Use Their Phone While Driving?

Drivers can use a mobile phone and obey the law. They just need to utilize an earpiece and the speakerphone function. If the driver’s caught using a handheld phone or texting while driving, civil penalties could be assessed up to $2,750 and potential driver disqualification for multiple offenses.

Motor carriers are also prohibited from acquiring or allowing the driver to text or use a handheld mobile phone while driving and may be subject to civil penalties up to $11,000. Violations will impact their SMS results, so texting and calling on a handheld phone carry the maximum violation severity weighing in the SMS.

Evidence Needed in a Tractor-Trailer Collision Case

There are many types of evidence that could be used to prove the truck driver’s negligence. For example, the plaintiff’s attorney could use video footage from homes and businesses around the area to prove the driver was on their phone at the time of the crash. Witness statements can also help prove negligence. Additionally, the injured person’s attorney could subpoena the driver’s phone records to determine if they were using their phone during the crash. An experienced truck accident attorney could review the evidence and determine the best course of action.

Get in Touch With a Truck Accident Attorney Following a Crash

A knowledgeable truck crash lawyer could help you take the proper steps following a collision with a distracted driver. A lawyer could investigate the crash, analyze the evidence, and calculate your damages to help you get the compensation you need. Call today to learn about the steps to take following texting while driving truck accidents in Grapevine.