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Paying attention to the road is the most critical rule of driving. It is especially important for commercial truck drivers who transport several thousand pounds worth of cargo. Unfortunately, smart phones, radios, food, and other people in the vehicle can be significant distractions for some drivers.
If you were recently involved in a distracted driving truck accident in Rock Hill, you may be able to pursue a legal claim against the negligent motorists. Reach out to the team at Schiller & Hamilton today to discuss your situation with an experienced semi-truck accident attorney.
Common Forms of Distracted Driving in Rock Hill
If an 18-wheeler operator takes their attention away from the road for even a split second, there can be devastating consequences. There are three main types of distractions that lead to accidents: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Visual distraction refers to taking the eyes off the road, while manual distractions involve removing one’s hands from the steering wheel. A cognitive distraction is anything that causes the driver’s mind to wander. Some of the most common examples of driving distractions include:
- Eating
- Lighting cigarettes
- Adjusting the radio or temperature
- Talking on the phone or texting
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at pedestrians, other drivers, or animals
Any of these distractions can cause a severe accident that leads to catastrophic injuries such as, organ damage, head trauma, burns, and severe back injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distracted driving took 3,142 lives in 2019. Those suffering from the consequences of an accident with an inattentive truck operator could benefit from speaking with a lawyer in Rock Hill.
South Carolina’s Distracted Driving Laws
While South Carolina does not have specific distracted driving laws for commercial vehicle drivers, there are state and federal laws that can affect truck operators. State police can pull over motorists for texting and driving and issue tickets. Though the texting while driving fines for non-commercial drivers are relatively low, the federal fines for truck operators can be quite steep.
Tractor-trailer drivers can also face potential suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for texting while driving. Multiple infractions could even result in the at-fault driver being disqualified as a commercial truck operator. A lawyer who focuses on truck accident cases could help injured parties understand the local and federal laws surrounding distracted driving.
Statute of Limitations For Inattentive Driving Collisions
According to South Carolina Code § 15-3-20, individuals who sustain injuries in motor vehicle accidents have three years from the date of the crash to file a legal claim. However, plaintiffs may have more time depending on the circumstances.
For example, if an accident victim passes away due to their injuries, surviving family members may have three years from the date of the passing to file a wrongful death claim. After a distracted driving truck wreck, it is crucial to seek legal help quickly to avoid having the case dismissed.
Call a Skilled Rock Hill Attorney After a Distracted Driving Truck Accident
Distracted driving truck accidents in Rock Hill can cause severe injuries and damages. If you or a loved one was harmed in this type of wreck, you could have a valid legal claim against the at-fault party. Call our firm today to learn more about your legal options after the accident.