Texting and driving can increase the likelihood of an accident as much as driving under the influence. Trucks are bigger, heavier, and harder to control than passenger vehicles. If a trucker is distracted, they are even less likely to avoid an accident than a passenger vehicle operator. Plus, if those accidents occur, they are more likely to result in substantial injuries.

Proving texting and driving truck accidents in Merrillville can seem complicated. Most truckers are not going to admit that they were texting, which led to a wreck. Plus, given the height difference between vehicles, it is uncertain if other drivers will be able to report whether the trucker was using a cell phone. However, you do not need to solve this alone. The experienced truck crash attorneys from The Law Offices of David W. Holub could conduct investigations and gather the evidence needed to prove trucker negligence.

How Distracted Driving Increases the Risk of Accidents

Any type of distracted driving can increase the risk of accidents. Distracted driving behaviors are often broken into three categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Many distractions involve two or more categories. However, texting and driving combines all three.

Anyone who is reading, watching videos, following social media, or otherwise using wireless communication devices is visually and cognitively distracted. Most of them are also manually distracted since they usually use their hands to scroll, select, or type. People who text and drive are about twice as likely to get in a wreck than people who are not driving while distracted. The risk is even greater than people who are driving while intoxicated. Of course, it is always possible that the truckers in texting and driving accidents in Merrillville are also intoxicated, drowsy, driving in bad weather, or engaging in other risky behaviors.

Injuries from Truck Accidents

The size of the truck has a substantial impact on the severity of the accident. They are harder to stop, which can make it difficult to avoid an accident and also mean a higher speed at the time of impact. Plus, the greater size automatically translates into greater force.

However, it is not just the weight of the vehicle that increases the likelihood of severe injuries. Their build also means that they hit passenger vehicles at more vulnerable spots in an accident. The trucker is likely to be protected from the worst possible injuries because of their location in the cab. Meanwhile, drivers and passengers in other vehicles are at risk.

Some of the injuries they can experience include crush injuries, burns, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal injuries that could include paralysis, and more. Those who survive these injuries may incur lifelong medical expenses, be unable to work, and suffer other damages. Those who do not survive leave behind a gaping hole for their families, as well as substantial medical bills and a questionable financial future.

Some of the damages available to victims after texting and driving truck wrecks in Merrillville include repayment for financial losses—also known as economic damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, and costs for living modifications. The intangible losses are known as non-economic damages, meaning victims can receive compensation for intangible losses like trauma, pain and suffering, and more.

Indiana is a modified comparative fault state. As long as a person is less than 50 percent responsible for their injuries, they can recover from the other parties who contributed to their injuries. So, even if a driver partially caused an accident, a trucker who was texting while driving can still be liable.

Call a Merrillville Attorney After a Texting and Driving Truck Accident

Every auto wreck comes with the potential risk of severe injuries, but texting and driving truck accidents in Merrillville pose an even greater risk. If you were injured because of someone’s negligent behavior, you may be entitled to damages. Let the attorneys at The Law Offices of David W. Holub help you get justice and compensation. Contact us today.

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