Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a truck accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence, our seasoned Miami truck accident attorneys can help you make a claim for compensation. At our Law Offices, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
Distracted driving occurs when the driver engages in any conduct that takes the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving continues to be a huge problem in Florida and across the United States. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that as many 40,000 people died in automobile accident crashes in 2016. That is a 6 percent increase over 2015 and a 15 percent increase over 2014, the most dramatic year escalation in 53 years. The NSC estimates that 25 percent of all crashes involve some type of cell phone use. Alarmingly, a new AAA study finds that more than half of millennial-aged drivers are aware of their dangerous driving habits but think they are acceptable.
Last week, a driver dropped his cellphone and was allegedly bending over to pick it up when his truck hit a 9-year-old girl and woman who were riding horses in Southwest Ranches. The two riders were crossing the road on their horses at the time of the accident and, sadly, both were ejected from their horses upon impact. After the crash, a pink riding helmet and two dead horses lay on the rural road. The young girl was airlifted the hospital and the girl’s guide was also taken to the hospital. Both riders suffered possible life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision.
Police are investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash. Southwest Ranches is an equestrian community where horses and riders are a common sight. In addition, the street has many crossing signs that warn motorists of their presence.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party through a negligence lawsuit. Negligence occurs when a truck driver causes injury or death by failing to use reasonable care while operating the truck. Reasonable care refers to how a reasonably prudent truck driver would have acted in the same or similar situation. Here, the truck driver bent over to pick up a cellphone while he was driving. Since a truck driver using reasonable care would not have engaged in the same conduct, understanding the risk of accident with such alleged behavior, the truck driver may very well be considered negligent.
Due to their weight and size, big trucks can cause accidents that have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident? If yes, you need to reach out to an experienced Miami truck attorney without delay. At our Law Offices, we are committed to providing effective representation, which is critical to obtaining a favorable outcome. For a free, initial consultation, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online.
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