Distracted driving is a significant problem for all types of drivers and vehicles across the country, but the risk of severe accidents caused by distracted driving is higher when large trucks are involved. The weight and size of large trucks make them especially dangerous in collisions because the force of impact is greater than that of passenger cars and other smaller vehicles.
Texting and using a cell phone while driving has consistently been linked to a higher risk of crashes, yet many drivers still engage in this dangerous distraction while behind the wheel. For motorists involved in truck accidents caused by texting and driving, navigating the devastating aftermath often presents unique and complex challenges. Proving fault, determining the value of the claim, and negotiating a settlement can be too much to tackle on your own. If you’re ready to pass the legal aspects of your case on to someone with experience in texting and driving truck accidents in Connecticut, contact D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC.
Typing and reading texts while driving slows reaction time and leads to dangerous driving conditions like lane deviations and cognitive distraction. Even though drivers tend to look toward the center of the roadway when using their cellphone behind the wheel, their attention is still diverted, and processing what they are seeing takes longer. This phenomenon is referred to as inattention blindness.
Texting while driving slows the reaction time for drivers of vehicles that already require extra time to stop and maneuver when compared to other vehicles. Trucks take longer to come to a stop, especially when the road surface is slippery or the truck’s brakes have not been properly maintained.
On average, passenger vehicles traveling at 65 miles per hour take 316 feet to come to a stop, while large trucks under the same conditions often need 525 feet to stop. Additionally, tractor-trailers and other large trucks with a high center of gravity have an increased risk of rolling over, which means extra caution and attention are needed when turning, changing lanes, and performing other maneuvers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Management Information System shows that there were 1,519 crashes involving large trucks in Connecticut in 2024. If you or a loved one have suffered catastrophic injuries caused by a truck driver and you believe texting is a factor, you may be able to pursue financial damages for the harm you’ve suffered.
Injured truck accident victims can recover compensation for damages such as:
Double or treble damages may be available in texting and driving truck crash cases in Connecticut if deliberate or reckless disregard on the trucker’s part can be established.
At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience with texting and driving truck accidents in Connecticut, and we are dedicated to securing maximum compensation to help our clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially. We will be a constant source of guidance and support throughout the injury claim process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.