Drivers must be attentive while operating their vehicle to ensure the safety of themselves and others. A failure to do so may result in an accident that causes serious injuries and significant financial liability for the violating driver.
A collision involving a pickup and a school bus recently occurred on highway 171 in Louisiana. According to police, the pickup struck the bus while the bus was stopped. Authorities think the driver of the pickup was texting on his phone at the time of the accident. The driver of the bus and one of the students were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries. Police cited the driver of the pickup for texting and driving, careless driving and not stopping for a school bus.
Motor vehicle accidents invoke the law of negligence to determine liability for any of the parties involved. Under this rule, anyone injured in an accident may be entitled to compensation if they can show that another party owed them a duty to apply reasonable care in their actions, which is typically assumed in motor vehicle accidents. They must also show this duty was violated, causing the accident and the injuries that resulted. There are numerous driver actions that may show negligence including speeding, disregarding road signals and driving while distracted. Drivers can be distracted by many actions, including texting and talking on a cell phone.
Roadways are an inherently dangerous place for all that use them. Engaging in any conduct that may cause a driver to lose focus on the operation of his or her vehicle can unnecessarily increase this danger and lead to serious injuries for others. Those injured by a negligent driver may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, and therefore should consider taking legal action.
Source: Insurance Journal, “Louisiana Truck-Bus Crash Caused by Texting, State Police Say,” April 16, 2014