If the truck driver who hit you was texting at the time of your South Carolina truck accident, you may have a solid South Carolina personal injury claim. This is because it is now illegal for truck drivers to text and drive.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration passed a law last month that prohibits truck drivers from texting while driving and prohibits carriers from allowing or requiring their drivers to text and drive.
If a truck driver is found to be texting while driving, they could face a $2,750 fine and be disqualified from driving. Carriers face an $11,000 fine.
Truck Driver Negligence Related to Texting
Truck driver negligence comes in many forms, from reckless driving to speeding. Texting is just one example of a growing problem. While any type of distracted driving is dangerous, this is especially true for truck drivers. A distracted truck driver may not be able to react in time to stop such a large vehicle.
In 2009, a 21-year-old college student received a large settlement for severe injuries after 2 trucks collided and hit his vehicle. One of the truck drivers had been texting. The college student ended up with a $49 million settlement.
Victims of truck accidents that involve a distracted driver are beginning to learn that they can hold others responsible for this negligent behavior.
How a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you have been seriously injured in a South Carolina truck accident, a Charleston truck accident lawyer can help you determine if it was the result of negligence, such as texting while driving.
In addition, a Charleston personal injury attorney can gather the evidence necessary to prove negligence and help you get the compensation to which you may be entitled. With the help of an attorney, you are also more likely to get a larger settlement if it is found that the truck driver was negligent in your South Carolina truck accident.
Contacting a Charleston Personal Injury Attorney
Before you file a South Carolina personal injury claim, request a copy of our free consumer guide, The South Carolina Accident Book for Personal Injury Victims. When you’re ready to get started on settling your truck accident claim, contact a Charleston personal injury attorney for a free information packet and consultation – 1-888-690-0211.
