When people think about the increasing problem of distracted drivers, teenagers might be the first type of driver that comes to mind. Although it's true that teen drivers make up a large group of people who can be easily distracted while driving, many people might not realize another group of people that can also be negligent drivers - and their accidents tend to be even more deadly, due to the sheer size and speed of their vehicles.

Commercial truck drivers are common on roads and interstates across the country, and just because they're on the job doesn't mean they're immune to the dangers of distracted driving. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 10 percent of crashes involving large trucks were a result of driver distraction.

Common causes of distractions for commercial truck drivers include:-Distractions that don't involve driving, such as billboards, buildings or paperwork.-Smoking while driving, which can momentarily take both hands off the wheel as well as eyes off the road.-Texting or talking on cell phones, which takes the majority of the driver's attention.-Eating and drinking while driving, which, if the food is messy, can be very distracting.

Heavy trucks have the advantage

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says that due to trucks' large size, drivers of other vehicles in truck crashes are the ones most often injured or killed. Most semi-truck crashes occur during daylight work hours. In Minnesota, the severity of truck crashes increases on rural roads, most likely because speed increases away from urban areas. About 69 percent of fatalities and 44 percent of injuries from truck crashes happen in rural areas in Minnesota.

Contacting an attorney

After being involved in a truck accident, it's highly likely that victims and their families will end up with thousands of dollars in medical or funeral expenses. Loss of income is also common after a semi-truck crash, either due to the injured person being out of work to recover, or the loss of a family wage-earner. The devastating physical and financial effects of a truck crash can last for years.

If you or a family member has been injured as a result of a distracted truck driver, it's important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. An attorney can explain your options, as well as represent your best interests in court to get you the compensation you need to start rebuilding your life.

Article provided by Bennerotte & Associates, PA Visit us at www.injuryattorneysmn.com