Distracted driving is a significant factor in motor vehicle accidents throughout Louisiana, and collisions between larger commercial trucks and smaller vehicles can be particularly devastating. When a truck driver engages in distractions such as texting, grooming, reaching for things in the cab, or otherwise failing to focus on the road, the potential for severe accidents increases.
If you were injured in a distracted driving truck accident in Lafayette, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm you have sustained. An experienced commercial vehicle collision attorney from our firm could help you build a strong case against the truck driver, their employer, and any applicable insurance. We are equipped to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with those responsible. Contact the team at Tomeny | Best to schedule a free consultation.
Legal Recourse After a Distracted Driving Truck Accident
The legal options available after a distracted driving truck accident in the Lafayette area will largely depend on the specifics of the crash. Although truck drivers are often directly liable for injuries caused by their own negligence, their employers may also share responsibility in certain situations. In distracted driving cases, the truck driver is usually at fault, but their employer might be held accountable if there is a history of prior accidents or instances of distracted driving. Common distractions for truck drivers include:
- Cell phone use, including texting, talking, or even glancing at a phone
- Consuming food or beverages
- Adjusting the radio, climate control, GPS, or mirrors
- Personal grooming, like shaving or applying makeup
- Smoking
- Reaching for things in the cabin
- Engaging in conversations with passengers, especially if they are emotionally charged
Although not a physical distraction, fatigue can also severely affect a driver’s judgment and reaction times, leading to accidents. Despite the demanding nature of truck driving, there is no justification for distracted driving. Our team could review the details of a wreck to determine its cause and who should be held responsible.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by a Distracted Truck Driver
The amount and type of compensation someone in Lafayette can recover after a distracted driving truck accident depends on various factors, including the nature of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the insurance coverage of the truck driver and trucking company. Generally, injured motorists can expect to recover special and general damages after a wreck.
Special Damages
Special damages are the financial losses related to an accident. These often include past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and a diminished earning capacity.
General Damages
General damages are more subjective and include things like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, disfigurement, and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver’s or their employer’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the defendant and deter repeated conduct.
Consult a Lafayette Distracted Driving Truck Accident Attorney
Distractions on the road pose significant risks, and when a truck driver’s inattentiveness leads to an accident, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. The aftermath of a serious accident often includes substantial medical bills and time off work, which can be financially and emotionally overwhelming. We are committed to helping you recover these costs and more.
At Tomeny | Best, our skilled attorneys provide essential guidance to clients facing complex truck accident claims. To learn more about how we can assist you after a distracted driving truck accident in Lafayette, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
