No trucking regulation prohibits eating while driving. However, many California truck drivers overlook how eating can affect their ability to drive safely. Here’s the truth: Eating and drinking are forms of distracted driving that can lead to devastating wrecks and serious injuries.
Large trucks are the giants of the roadway. Truck drivers need to exercise extreme caution to avoid collisions. But if they’re taking a bite of a burger or sipping a Coke, their hands, eyes, and attention drift from the road. The few crucial seconds it takes to reach for food or a beverage is more than enough time for a truck accident to occur.
Did you get hurt in a distracted driving truck accident? Under California law, you could receive financial compensation if the truck driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Learn your legal options by contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today. The first consultation is free.
Is It Illegal to Eat and Drink While Driving a Truck?
State and federal laws do not expressly prohibit a truck driver from eating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages while behind the wheel. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns truck drivers against eating and drinking while driving, noting that consuming food or beverages requires drivers to take their eyes off the road and one or both hands off the wheel. Instead, FMCSA urges truck drivers to have meals before getting on the road or to set aside time to pull off the road to eat. And just like every other motorist, a truck driver cannot drink alcohol while driving.
Can a Truck Driver Be Liable for an Accident Caused by Eating and Drinking?
Yes. A distracted truck driver may bear liability for crashes due to eating or drinking behind the wheel. A driver’s first duty is to take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to others. If food consumption diverts their attention from driving responsibly, accident victims can seek financial compensation for the trucker’s negligence.
Victims could have a personal injury claim against the truck driver or trucking company that employs the driver. An experienced truck accident attorney can determine the liable parties after evaluating the facts of the case.
Seeking Compensation in Distracted Driving Truck Accident Claims
Victims of distracted driving truck accidents can pursue compensation for financial and personal losses suffered due to the accident, including money for:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term care or support services, such as home health care or housekeeping assistance
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
Knowledgeable truck accident attorneys know how to determine the full value of truck crash claims and demand maximum compensation from the at-fault party(s). Some common truck accident injuries are catastrophic. A lawyer can help you demand money to account for both current and future needs.
Schedule a Free Case Review with an Experienced Pasadena Truck Accident Attorney
If you suffered injuries in a distracted driving truck accident in Pasadena, you deserve to pursue financial recovery and justice for your losses. Contact the Law Offices of Pius Joseph today for a free consultation with a top truck accident lawyer.
