The Dangers of Distracted Commercial Vehicle Drivers - Laredo TX Personal Injury Attorneys

When operating a vehicle, a driver’s focus should, first and foremost, be on the path in front of them. That means focusing your attention on the road, not your phone, the radio, food or drink, passengers, etc. Sadly, distracted driving is not uncommon in and around Laredo, Texas, especially for those under pressure to meet tight deadlines for the commercial vehicle companies they are employed by. If you or someone you love were recently seriously injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact the Laredo personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Our expert Texas law firm has decades of experience representing clients throughout the Lone Star State. Read our reviews here to see how we’ve helped injured parties and their families recover from devastating accidents. Our goal at Carabin Shaw is to remove obstacles preventing victims from accessing legal counsel, so we offer a free case review and English—and Spanish-speaking staff. Plus, there are no fees unless we win. Call 800-862-1260 today.

A distracted commercial vehicle driver is performing an activity that diverts and distracts their attention from the primary activity of operating their vehicle safely. While the following are common distractions that lead to collisions, they can be challenging to prove in a personal injury case. If you suspect any of the following caused your accident, contact a Laredo TX commercial vehicle accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

• USING A CELL PHONE: Texting while driving is illegal in Texas, and if this was the cause of your accident, the texting driver is automatically considered negligent. In addition to several other local cell phone laws, school bus drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while children are present. Both handheld and hands-free calls may also be considered distracting.
• EATING/DRINKING: Despite how common eating and drinking while driving are, they can easily divert attention from the road. Spilling drinks, dropping food, or looking for utensils means significant distraction.
• DROWSY DRIVING: Many commercial drivers in and around Laredo, TX, are pressured to comply with tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road, irregular sleep patterns, and drowsiness.
• OTHER COMMON DISTRACTIONS: Grooming, smoking, looking at scenery, using navigation systems, daydreaming, talking to passengers, etc.

Impaired driving, on the other hand, means that the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs that affect the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle.

Anything that causes a visual, manual, or cognitive distraction and leads to slower reaction times, a loss of control or coordination, and an increased risk of collision may qualify as distracted driving. Are you suffering after a commercial vehicle accident in Laredo, TX, and believe distraction may be to blame for your accident? The expert lawyers at Carabin Shaw are standing by to assist you. Schedule your free consultation by calling 800-862-1260 today.

Proving that distracted driving caused an accident can be difficult but not impossible. The main steps involve gathering evidence, establishing negligence, and consulting with an experienced Texas attorney who will conduct a thorough investigation and guide you through the legal process.

Evidence of negligence may include:

• Cell phone records
• Eyewitness testimony
• Police reports
• Physical evidence like food containers or vehicle damage

Negligence is defined in a court of law as the action or inaction of a party that failed to use reasonable care to avoid injuring or harming another person.

Laredo’s close proximity to Mexico makes it a major hub of international trade. That means trade routes, distribution centers, manufacturing activity, and construction are common. As such, commercial vehicles like 18 wheelers, box trucks, flatbed trucks, refrigerated vehicles, tankers, and more frequently traverse Laredo’s roads and highways. For specific information about what qualifies as a commercial vehicle, speak with a local lawyer immediately.

A victim isn’t required to hire a lawyer to pursue a personal injury case, but it is strongly recommended. After a serious car accident, you should focus on healing and recovery. Pursuing a lawsuit not only takes energy and time but also expertise. The Texas commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw have decades of experience in the local courts and have won millions on behalf of clients just like you.

Don’t wait to act. In Laredo, auto accident victims have a two year limit, otherwise known as the statute of limitations, to pursue their injury case.

Call Carabin Shaw’s trusted attorneys today at 800-862-1260 at any time of day or night to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. During this time, we will discuss the specifics of your accident and choose the right legal path for you.

No fees unless we win!

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 545
• American Bar
• Texas Statutes 16