Large trucks like 18-wheelers are of colossal sizes and weights. Therefore, a little mistake while driving can turn out to be causes of accidents. It can be extremely difficult to stop a truck in a few seconds if any problem arises on the road. This increases the chances of crashes.
One of the major reasons of truck accidents is distracted driving. Owing to the long shifts in duty, it is quite common for truck drivers to succumb to distractions to keep themselves occupied. This reduces the ability for them to focus on the road. As a result, various accidents can take place.
Truck accidents can be catastrophic. Their impacts are way different from that of car accidents. In severe cases, these can cause fatalities as well.
Common Types of Distractions
There are three primary types of distractions. Let’s discuss these here.
- Manual Distraction
This type of distraction occurs when the driver takes his/her hands off the steering wheel of the truck. It can take place when drivers try to reach for something while driving. The driver could be reaching out for the phone or attempting to change the radio channel. Additionally, eating while driving can also be counted as a manual distraction.
- Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive distractions restrict the mind from focusing on the road. These can include talking to passengers, talking to anyone over the phone, daydreaming and so on. Cognitive distraction can also be caused due to the influence of drugs and alcohol. These can take your mind off driving and can cause accidents.
- Visual Distraction
Visual distractions may be the primary cause that the drivers’ eyes wander off the road. These can include operating a GPS system, picking something from the floor of the truck, browsing a playlist and so on. A visual distraction for a couple of seconds can cause major truck accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are various causes of distractions that can result in truck accidents. While technology has been a boon for our daily activities, it is one of the primary causes of accidents. Mobile phones can be quite dangerous while driving since these can cause the drivers to take their eyes off the road. Apart from that, laptops, portable radios, music systems etc. can also restrict the driver to focus entirely on the road.
While a GPS system can be quite handy while driving along unknown roads, these can also cause accidents if the driver concentrates on checking the GPS.
Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving
18-wheeler trucks are highly dangerous. These accidents can cause major injuries and fatalities too. Let’s take a look at some of the common injuries caused by distracted driving.
- Broken Bones
Truck accidents caused by distracted driving affect both, the truck driver as well as the passengers and drivers of other vehicles occupying the road. One of the common injuries involves bone fractures. There are various kinds of fractures. For example, victims can sustain an open fracture, a bowing fracture etc. While some may heal within a few weeks, some may result in permanent deformity.
- Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries can result in weakness in various parts of the body. It can also result in a headache, neck pains and other problems. Spinal cord injuries can also cause bladder control problems, breathing difficulties and so on. These injuries can turn out to be quite severe.
- Joint Injuries
Distracted driving can cause sprains. Joint injuries may involve the wrist, toes, shoulder, fingers, elbows etc. Whiplash injury is quite common as well. These injuries manifest themselves as severe inflammation, pain, limited movement and so on.
- Lacerations
Lacerations are quite common in truck accidents. These cuts can be extremely painful and may take quite a long time to heal. These may leave scares after healing.
- Other Injuries
Apart from the above-mentioned ones, victims may also sustain head injuries, injuries from seatbelts, rib and torso injuries and so on. Some of these injuries can cause paralysis as well. Some of the injuries may be internal and may go undetected if victims do not seek medical advice.
Compensation for injuries suffered, medical expenses incurred, loss of work etc. can be obtained by the victims if the truck driver is at fault. If your loved one has been a victim of a truck accident and lives in Houston, Houston 18 wheeler accident lawyers can help.
Contributed by:http://www.texas-truckaccidentlawyer.com/
