Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of serious accidents on Georgia’s roads and highways today. This can be even more dangerous for truck drivers, who are operating extremely heavy vehicles at high speeds. 

Here’s what you should know about truck accidents caused by distracted driving and how you can get legal help to pursue the full and fair compensation you and your family deserve after a severe accident changes your life. 

Cell Phone Use 

Although texting and driving is illegal, as is generally any smartphone use while operating a vehicle, many truckers still do so. Driving a truck cross country for weeks at a time can be lonely, and drivers may be calling, texting, or video chatting friends and family members. Unfortunately, this puts other drivers on the road at extreme risk. 

Eating While Driving 

Truck drivers are usually paid by the mile, not the hour, meaning they’re only paid when the truck is actually moving. If they’re stopped at a restaurant for dinner, they’re not earning any money during that period of time, even if they’re still away from home. 

This leads many truck drivers to park, grab their food to go, and eat while driving to their next stop. While driving a large truck one-handed and eating with the other is dangerous enough, one spill and a quick reactionary look down can be enough to cause a truck to careen out of the driver’s control. 

Driving While Fatigued 

Although driving fatigued isn’t technically a distraction, it’s equally as dangerous as texting and driving and driving drunk. Truck drivers are prone to driving while fatigued for the same reason they eat and drive — to keep earning money by continuing to operate the truck. 

Hurt in a Truck Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver? Get Legal Help Now 

If you or someone in your family were hurt or a family member was killed in a truck accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Although restitution is unlikely to reverse the damages caused by the accident, it can help you bear many of the financial burdens that come afterward, like hospital bills and in the case of wrongful death, funeral expenses. 

Contact Chalker Injury Law today for compassionate legal representation when you need it most. Call now for your free initial consultation at (678) 319-9991 or toll free at (800) 393-8595.