Truck drivers face more distractions than ever, and the results can be serious. Looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating while driving can quickly lead to dangerous accidents. This is especially true for large commercial vehicles, which are harder to stop and control.
Missouri law (RSMo § 304.820) and federal FMCSA rules strictly forbid texting and using hand-held phones while driving. Hands-free devices are allowed, but drivers must stay in complete control of their vehicle at all times.
Long hours, tight deadlines, and mental fatigue make distractions even more dangerous. Just two seconds of lost focus can lead to accidents that ruin careers, cause injuries, or lead to costly legal battles.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we help truck drivers involved in distraction-related accidents. With over 40 years of experience, our Missouri-based team is here to investigate your case, defend your rights, and help you move forward.
Causes of Distracted Driving in Trucking
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve helped many clients involved in commercial truck accidents. One of the most common causes is driver distraction. These distractions are often complex, stemming from individual driver behavior and systemic issues within the trucking industry.
Technology and In-Cab Devices
Electronic tools like GPS systems, fleet management platforms, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) are essential for navigation and regulatory compliance. However, interacting with these devices while driving can take a driver’s hands and eyes off the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from holding or dialing mobile phones while driving, but studies show that nearly 70% of truck drivers admit to using their phones behind the wheel. This behavior increases the risk of crashes and leads to regulatory violations.
Fatigue and Alertness Issues
Fatigue is another dangerous distraction. Long hours, irregular schedules, and tight delivery deadlines can leave drivers too tired to stay fully alert. Even if drivers follow the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), they may still face pressure to drive when they need rest. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making it a serious hazard on the road.
Eating, Drinking, and Multi-Tasking
Many truck drivers eat or drink while driving to save time, especially on long hauls. While these actions are legal, they take at least one hand off the wheel and reduce focus on the road. Even a few seconds spent reaching for a drink can result in serious accidents, such as rear-end collisions or lane departures.
Mental Distractions and Stress
Stress, personal issues, and tight delivery deadlines create mental distractions that can impair a driver’s focus. When a driver’s mind is preoccupied, they may struggle to react quickly to traffic changes. This is especially dangerous in high-speed or high-traffic areas, where even a brief lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic accidents.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we know how these distractions impact real-world driving conditions. Our team investigates every case thoroughly, identifying the full scope of driver distraction and holding the responsible parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, we’re here to help you seek justice.
Statistics on Trucking Accidents and Distraction
Distracted driving is a significant factor in serious truck accidents across the country. Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents and was responsible for an estimated 3,275 deaths in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This statistic represents real lives lost or forever changed.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 3,522 people died in distraction-related crashes across all vehicle types in 2021, a 12% increase from 2020. While not all these crashes involved commercial trucks, distracted driving among truck drivers is particularly concerning due to the potential for severe damage and multiple victims in a single incident.
Research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reveals that texting while driving makes a crash or near-crash 23 times more likely than driving without distractions. Even cognitive distractions—when a driver’s mind is not entirely focused—can slow reaction times as much as being at the legal blood alcohol limit.
The combination of complex regulations, high job demands, and technology overload creates a challenging and often unsafe environment for truck drivers. At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we advocate for safer practices in the trucking industry.
Consequences of Distracted Driving in Trucking
Distracted driving in the trucking industry has serious consequences. Even inattention can cause devastating harm to the truck driver and other drivers, pedestrians, and the public. At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve handled many cases where a single distraction led to life-changing outcomes.
Legal Penalties
Truck drivers who violate federal distracted driving laws face strict penalties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truck drivers from using handheld mobile devices while driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Violations can result in:
- Fines of up to $2,750 for drivers and $11,000 for employers who allow or encourage such behavior
- Disqualification from driving a CMV after repeated violations
- Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license under Missouri law (§ 302.755) if the violation causes a serious or fatal crash
- Criminal charges if the distracted driving leads to injury or death
Financial Consequences
A distracted driving accident’s financial impact can be severe for drivers. It may include:
- Civil lawsuits for personal injuries or wrongful death
- Medical bills and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Higher insurance premiums or loss of coverage
- Costs for vehicle repairs or cargo damage
For self-employed or contract drivers, the inability to work after a crash can create long-term financial hardship.
Our Legal Approach to Distracted Driving Truck Accident Cases
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we handle distracted driving cases in the trucking industry with precision. Our team goes beyond surface-level evidence to uncover patterns of negligence, company failures, and other risks that may have contributed to the accident.
Investigating Company Responsibility
Distracted driving often reflects larger issues within a trucking company’s operations. We investigate:
- Dispatch practices and whether drivers are pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, forcing them to multitask.
- The company’s failure to monitor compliance, such as not conducting regular checks, providing updated training, or disciplining rule-breaking drivers.
- Driver qualification files are required under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51, and they should include records of training, past violations, and employer references.
If a company’s negligent hiring, training, or supervision contributed to the accident, we may pursue direct claims against the carrier.
Examining In-Cab Devices and Third-Party Liability
Distraction isn’t always the driver’s fault. Devices inside the truck, like GPS systems, tablets, or poorly placed screens, can also contribute to crashes. We work with human factors experts to analyze:
- Obstructions to the driver’s field of vision.
- Time spent interacting with touchscreens.
- Lack of user-friendly controls increases mental and physical demands on the driver.
If the design or installation of in-cab devices contributed to the accident, we may file claims against manufacturers or installers under Missouri’s product liability laws.
Using Federal and State Laws to Build Your Case
We combine federal trucking regulations and Missouri state laws to establish liability. For example, Missouri law allows for vicarious liability and punitive damages when a company or driver disregards public safety.
Our truck accident attorneys build every case with detailed evidence, expert testimony, and a complete understanding of the law. Whether you’re a truck driver facing unfair accusations or one injured due to your company’s negligence, we are committed to pursuing justice and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Get Support from Hurt Trucker Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been involved in a trucking accident in which distracted driving played a role, contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys have handled difficult trucking and other personal injury cases for over 40 years.
We stand up to large insurance companies and employers, so you don’t have to. We focus on your rights, your health, and the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Contact Hurt Trucker Attorneys today, and let us put decades of legal experience to work for you.