In California, truck drivers owe you a duty of care when they get behind the wheel of the truck. When they fail to pay the necessary amount of attention, they could breach this duty. One way that truck drivers can increase their focus is to do things ahead of time that would otherwise cause them to take their eyes off the road and their hands from the steering wheel.
Because of their time constraints and their desire to get in long shifts of driving when they can, truck drivers often end up trying to multi-task when driving. One of the common ways is by eating when they are driving. They can incorporate simple steps such as unwrapping their food and putting their straw in the cup before they drive. They can also purchase technology like a Bluetooth headset so that they do not have to touch their phone to answer it.
A driver should take a mental inventory of everything they may need to do while behind the wheel and do whatever they can beforehand to reduce distractions when operating the truck. Advance preparation will make the truck driver more focused and safer. This will help you as a passenger vehicle driver reach your destination safely when you do not have to contend with distracted truck drivers.
If you have been injured in an accident with a distracted truck driver, their company may be held responsible for your injuries so long as the driver is not an independent contractor. When a driver is not fully focused on the right, this could be a sign of their negligence. A personal injury attorney might advise you of your legal rights and help you file a claim against the truck driver’s insurance. If necessary, they may be able to assist you in filing a lawsuit in court.
