Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Ballwin | Protect Your Rights | The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC.

Driving while distracted can be just as hazardous as drunk driving, and it is unfortunately more common than ever with cell phones and mobile technology. Even professional truck drivers are susceptible to engaging in this irresponsible behavior, sometimes resulting in collisions that result in life-changing injuries.

If you were hit by an 18-wheeler with an inattentive driver behind the wheel, you should speak with a personal injury attorney about your options for financial recovery. Distracted driving truck accidents in Ballwin can make for uniquely challenging civil claims, so having a qualified legal team’s help could be key to achieving a positive resolution.

What Constitutes Distracted Truck Driving?

There are three types of distractions that could impair a driver: visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. Visual distractions that lead to the driver’s eyes leaving the road ahead of them. Manual distractions that involve them removing one or both hands from the wheel. Cognitive distractions that direct their thoughts away from controlling their vehicle.

Texting while driving, the most common form of distracted driving today, covers all three of these categories. Because of this, most U.S. states have passed harsh regulations against using mobile devices behind the wheel.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits all commercial 18-wheeler drivers from using any kind of electronic communication device while driving. The only exception is to make a phone call with a single button or finger swipe. Anyone who violates these rules could be punished by substantial fines and a commercial driver’s license suspension. Civil litigation could be justified if a trucker’s actions qualify as negligent and directly lead to a distracted driving big rig accident in the area.

Seeking Recovery after a Crash Caused by an Inattentive Trucker

Firmly establishing that a trucker was at fault for accident-related losses can require significant evidence from multiple sources. A local attorney familiar with collisions caused by an inattentive driver could collect evidence such as:

  • The police report filed by a responding police officer
  • Cell phone records for the truck driver
  • Footage from nearby dashboard or surveillance cameras
  • Eyewitness reports
  • Debris from the crash scene

A qualified attorney could help collect, preserve, and present this evidence in court or to insurance companies. A skilled legal team could also play a central role in building a strong claim within the applicable filing deadline, which Missouri Revisor of Statutes § 516.120 sets at five years for virtually all personal injury claims. If someone tries to file a claim after this time limit has expired, they will be barred from receiving any compensation for their losses.

Discuss Distracted Driving Truck Accidents in Ballwin with an Attorney Now

Proving that a distracted 18-wheeler driver was the primary cause of a crash can be much more difficult than filing suit based on other grounds. Working with a capable truck wreck lawyer could make a positive difference in your odds of successful recovery for injuries caused by distracted driving truck accidents in Ballwin. Call our office today to learn more about your options.