Ever seen a trucker with a handheld phone? That trucker is breaking the law and putting your life in danger.

According to the federal government, the texting driver of an 18-wheeler is taking his or her eyes off the road and traveling the length of a football field. Yes, a football field.  The same is true if the driver is manually searching for a website or dialing the phone.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a truck driver who is texting is 23 times more likely to be involved in a serious accident than a driver who is not. Drivers who are dialing are 6 times more likely to be involved in a wreck.

Government regulations are very strict. It is against the rules for an 18-wheeler driver to push more than 1 button on a phone, and that phone must be mounted inside the cab. So yes, it is against the law for a commercial driver to hold a mobile device while driving.

But sadly, they break this rule far too often.

My advice is if you see a driver using a mobile phone, get away from him or her. The chances of having an accident are simply too great. I have seen the devastation that being hit by a large semi-tractor trailer can do. It is almost too horrible to describe.

If there is any bright side to all of this, there is usually plenty of insurance to pay you. This money can pay your hospital bills and compensate you for your pain and suffering. The reason is — the federal government holds the employer responsible if a driver violates the rules. Yes, truck companies are responsible for what their drivers do even if they do not authorize such actions.

There are a lot of tricky details involving 18-wheeler accidents. If you are injured, you need a lawyer who understands the many laws concerning this type of case.

If you suffer a personal injury like an auto/truck accident or slip and fall, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet. We are mostly working remotely but are always available.

Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we have come up with.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer

The post Texting Trucker — Blind for Length of a Football Field first appeared on Steele Ritchie.