Federal Texting and Driving Laws for Truck Drivers

Texting and driving isn’t just a problem for motorists in passenger cars and other motor vehicles in Denver. It can also be an issue for truck drivers. Truckers must adhere to federal texting and driving laws or could face penalties. Learn what those are and how they could impact a truck accident claim.

Overview of Federal Texting and Driving Laws

The risk of a crash is significant when a truck driver texts behind the wheel. Thus, texting and driving while operating a commercial vehicle is not allowed.

It should also be noted that the ban on texting includes when the truck is temporarily stopped, such as while waiting for a traffic light to change. The only time a driver can text in a truck is when it’s pulled off safely to the side of the road. But these laws don’t just apply to text messages.

In fact, truck drivers are banned from the use of handheld mobile devices including:

• web browsing;
• instant messaging; and
• any other means of reading or sending a message.

Any phone that requires pushing more than one button to talk or answer a call cannot be used. Only hands-free devices are allowed. But even then, they must be located close by. If it requires reaching to access it, it’s against federal regulations.

Truck drivers who violate these rules could face hefty fines. And their employers could also be fined if it’s discovered they allowed or required the driver to use a handheld device for communicating. These are important laws that can impact a truck accident claim in Denver.

How Federal Rules on Texting Could Impact a Truck Accident Case

If a truck driver is caught texting while driving and receives a citation, this could be indicated on a police report. As a result, it may help in establishing negligence behind the wheel if the distraction caused an accident.

In some cases it’s a contributing factor in that it was just one of the driving behaviors likely to have caused the accident. It could be that the driver was also speeding or had run a stop sign. Texting might also be considered the primary cause.

Let’s say the truck rear-ended a passenger car sitting in traffic on the I-70 in Denver. Texting may be blamed for this type of accident, since the driver wouldn’t have been able to stop in enough time because of the distraction.

Seeking Damages in a Truck Accident Claim

There are enough inherent dangers when driving around a large truck without having to worry if the driver isn’t even looking at the road. When the truck driver was at fault for an accident, victims may be entitled to recover damages by filing an insurance claim and/or lawsuit against the driver’s employer.

To ensure a victim receives an amount that is both fair and full, accident victims should seek legal advice. Truck accident claims can be complicated as victims look to recover compensation for what are often serious injuries.

A truck accident claim could lead to compensation for the:

• medical bills (current and future);
• lost wages (current and future);
• pain and suffering;
• disability; and
• mental anguish.

Talk to D.J. Banovitz if you were in an accident in the Denver area and need legal assistance: 303-300-5060.