Driving a car requires attention and focus; a lack of either can have serious consequences. Unfortunately, many people drive so regularly and are so comfortable with the process that they take unnecessary risks.
When the driver acting without the requisite focus and attention is the operator of a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, the potential for a bad outcome is even higher. Not only can 18-wheelers cause a lot of damage due to their size and weight, but the vehicle’s increased stopping distances and decreased maneuverability can make distracted driving truck accidents in Nashville more likely to occur once a driver loses focus.
When you are hurt by a truck driver paying inadequate attention, you deserve compensation for your injuries. A seasoned truck accident attorney at Ponce Law could help you pursue justice by filing a suit to hold the truck driver and their employer responsible for their actions.
Collisions that result from a truck driver being distracted on Nashville roads can stem from any activity where the driver takes their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task at hand. Some common causes of distracted driving include:
While these activities are dangerous while operating heavy machinery, some are also illegal. For example, Tennessee Code § 55-8-199(b) prohibits anyone operating a motor vehicle from using a cell phone or other wireless device to read, write, or send any text messages, emails, or other forms of written communication.
Similarly, the federal government prohibits any driver of a commercial vehicle from texting while operating a motor vehicle in 49 CFR § 392.80 and from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle in 49 CFR § 392.82. A violation of these rules is strong evidence that the truck driver was not acting in accordance with the reasonable standard of care and, therefore, should be responsible for the injuries their actions caused.
Even when a distracted trucker is responsible for causing a crash in Nashville, an injured person has a relatively limited time to assert their legal right to compensation. Tennessee Code § 28-3-104(a) states that a person must file any lawsuit related to a personal injury within one year after the claim accrues; in almost all situations, this will be one year after the date of the accident. Waiting to file a claim until after this deadline could prevent an injured person from recovering for their losses.
Although exceptions that extend this time period may exist in limited circumstances, the best practice is for an injured party to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Even if a lawsuit is not necessary, a lawyer could help the injured individual understand their rights and the deadlines within which they must exercise them.
When you are injured, the costs and expenses can pile up quickly, especially if you have to miss time at work. If your injuries are caused by another person’s careless, reckless, or negligent actions, you do not deserve to bear those costs yourself.
Our team of legal professionals at Ponce Law has experience representing people injured in distracted driving truck accidents in Nashville. They could help you investigate the wreck, determine if liability exists, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free initial consultation with one of our committed attorneys today.