Seeking Justice After Fatal Collisions
When a commercial truck driver takes their attention off the road to use a cellphone, GPS device, or other electronic equipment, they transform an 80,000-pound vehicle into a deadly weapon. At highway speeds, even a few seconds of distraction can result in catastrophic accidents that destroy families forever. Federal regulations strictly prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld devices while operating their vehicles, but violations remain tragically common. If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a wrongful death claim. At Dermer Law, we combine technology expertise with legal knowledge to help grieving families pursue justice against negligent drivers and trucking companies. Our commitment to “Clients. Not Cases.” means we provide compassionate support while fighting determinedly to hold all responsible parties accountable for these completely preventable tragedies.
When a commercial truck driver takes their attention off the road to use a cellphone, GPS device, or other electronic equipment, they transform an 80,000-pound vehicle into a deadly weapon. At highway speeds, even a few seconds of distraction can result in catastrophic accidents that destroy families forever. Federal regulations strictly prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld devices while operating their vehicles, but violations remain tragically common. If your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a wrongful death claim. At Dermer Law, we combine technology expertise with legal knowledge to help grieving families pursue justice against negligent drivers and trucking companies. Our commitment to “Clients. Not Cases.” means we provide compassionate support while fighting determinedly to hold all responsible parties accountable for these completely preventable tragedies.
Common Types of Truck Driver Distraction Leading to Fatal Accidents
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that takes a driver's attention away from safely operating their vehicle. The most dangerous distractions include:
Cellphone Use
Texting, making calls, or browsing the internet while driving, which takes both visual and mental attention from the road.
GPS and Navigation Systems
Programming destinations, adjusting routes, or looking at screens instead of watching traffic.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Improperly interacting with federally mandated tracking systems while the vehicle is in motion.
Dispatch Communications
Reading or responding to messages from trucking company dispatchers about schedules or route changes.
Eating and Drinking
Consuming meals or beverages that require taking hands off the steering wheel.
Personal Grooming
Shaving, brushing teeth, or other personal care activities while driving.
Fatigue-Related Inattention
Microsleep episodes or decreased alertness that cause drivers to miss critical traffic situations.
CB Radio Use
Extended conversations that divert mental attention from driving tasks.
Paperwork Handling
Reading bills of lading, logbooks, or other documents while the truck is moving.
Proving Liability in a Distracted Truck Driving Accident Case
Establishing that driver distraction caused a fatal truck accident requires thorough investigation and technological evidence. At Dermer Law, we help families prove liability by:
Obtaining Cellphone Records
Securing detailed phone usage data that shows calls or texts at the time of the accident.
Analyzing Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data
Reviewing the truck’s computer systems for evidence of speed, braking patterns, and driver inputs.
Examining Bills of Lading
Investigating whether drivers were improperly interacting with ELD systems while driving.
Securing Video Evidence
Obtaining dash cam footage, traffic cameras, or surveillance video that may show driver behavior.
Investigating Communication Records
Reviewing dispatcher communications that may have distracted the driver.
Analyzing Company Policies
Examining whether trucking companies had adequate distracted driving policies and enforcement.
Witness Testimony
Gathering statements from other drivers who observed the truck driver’s behavior before the accident.
Responsible Parties in Distracted Truck Driving Accident Cases
Unlike typical car accidents, commercial truck distraction cases often involve multiple liable parties:
Truck Driver
The individual operator who chose to engage in distracting activities while driving.
Trucking Company
The employer who may have failed to enforce distracted driving policies or pressured drivers to respond to communications while driving.
Dispatchers
Individuals who may have sent urgent messages or made demands that encouraged unsafe driving behavior.
Technology Companies
Manufacturers of in-cab systems that may not meet federal safety standards for commercial vehicles.
Fleet Management Companies
Third-party companies responsible for monitoring driver behavior and enforcing safety policies.
At Dermer Law, we identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize the compensation available to your family.
Compensation for Distracted Truck Driving Wrongful Death Claims
The catastrophic nature of commercial truck accidents often leads to substantial compensation. Families may be entitled to recover:
Medical Expenses
Costs of emergency care and treatment before death.
Funeral and Burial Costs
Expenses related to laying your loved one to rest.
Loss of Income
Compensation for the deceased’s future earnings and benefits that would have supported the family.
Loss of Companionship
Damages for the loss of love, guidance, and support that the deceased would have provided.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress your loved one experienced before death.
Punitive Damages
Additional compensation in cases of egregious safety violations or repeat offenses.
Steps to Take After a Fatal Distracted Truck Driving Accident
If you've lost a loved one in a suspected distracted driving truck accident, taking prompt action is critical:
Preserve Electronic Evidence
Request that the truck and cargo be preserved immediately through legal channels before cleanup occurs.
Document the Scene
Request that the truck’s electronic systems and the driver’s cellphone be preserved immediately through legal channels.
Gather Witness Information
Collect contact details from anyone who observed the truck driver’s behavior before the accident.
Document the Scene
Obtain photographs of vehicle positions, skid marks, and any visible evidence of distraction.
Avoid Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often quickly offer settlements that dramatically undervalue your claim.
Act Quickly
Electronic evidence such as phone records and ECM data can be lost if not legally protected promptly.
Consult an Attorney
Speak with an experienced truck accident attorney who understands how to obtain and analyze electronic evidence in distracted driving cases.
Contact Dermer Law Today
At Dermer Law, we understand the devastating impact of losing a loved one to a completely preventable distracted driving accident. Our team approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail, conducting thorough investigations to uncover electronic evidence of driver distraction. We work with technology experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and telecommunications professionals to build compelling cases.
We maintain forthright communication throughout the legal process, ensuring you always understand your options and the status of your claim. We believe in accountability—both for drivers and companies that allow dangerous distractions to persist and in our commitment to transparent representation.
Our attorneys handle the complex technical and legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing from your loss. We are committed to not only securing justice for your family but also to improving industry safety standards that protect everyone sharing the road with commercial trucks.
If you’ve lost a family member in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver, don’t face this challenging time alone. Contact Dermer Law today for a free, compassionate consultation. We’re here to fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Call us now to schedule your free case evaluation!
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