Most people understand that texting and driving is incredibly dangerous. Nevertheless, too many believe that they are the exception to the rule or that they can get away with sending a message once or twice.
Professional drivers are no exception. Due to the long hours they spend on the road, truckers can be more likely to succumb to the temptation of using their phones while driving.
When you are involved in a texting and driving truck accident in Auburn, you may be entitled to compensation for injuries you sustained. A hardworking truck collision attorney can help hold the trucker or trucking company responsible for a crash to get you fair damages for your losses.
Texting and Driving Laws for Truckers
The state of Maine and the federal government make it illegal for a truck driver to text while on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the branch of the Department of Transportation that oversees safety related to commercial vehicles, has issued explicit rules in this area.
For example, the 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 392.80 prohibits all commercial vehicle drivers from texting while the motor is running, even if they are stopped at an intersection. This rule also prevents trucking companies from allowing or requiring their employees to text and drive.
This is intended to incentivize safe driving but does not directly assist Lewiston-Auburn residents injured in texting and driving semi-truck wrecks. However, proof that a truck driver violated this statute can be solid evidence that they breached the duty they owed to other motorists to drive carefully and reasonably. A lawyer can use this knowledge to help an injured client obtain compensation.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident
After a texting and driving truck collision on Lewiston-Auburn’s roadways, it is common for the parties involved to be unsure what to do next. Although this is understandable given the stress and trauma of the moment, it is critical to take the proper steps, including:
- Make sure anyone who needs emergency medical attention receives it
- Move the vehicles involved in the crash out of the roadway to the extent possible
- Contact the police and request a police report regarding the accident
- Document the scene by taking pictures, making notes, and speaking to any eyewitnesses
After leaving, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately. Even if a person is unaware of any serious injuries, they may appear later after the adrenaline subsides.
If time passes between the incident and someone’s physician visit, it will be more difficult to prove that their injuries resulted from the wreck. A knowledgeable lawyer can help their client obtain all the necessary documentation for their case, including health records from their doctor.
Talk to an Attorney About Auburn Texting and Driving Truck Accidents
Speaking with a lawyer at Gideon Asen, LLC can benefit you even if you do not need to file a lawsuit. A dedicated personal injury attorney can assist you with evaluating your case, calculating damages, and determining if an insurance company’s settlement offer will cover your losses.
When you or a loved one has been in a texting and driving truck accident in Auburn, schedule a consultation with a reliable attorney today to discuss your case. Our team is here to protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you are owed.
