A distracted trucker poses a huge risk to everyone on the road
We see it everywhere on Tennessee roads: drivers looking at their cell phones, adjusting infotainment systems, or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from driving. But when truck drivers do it, the risk of a serious catastrophe increases significantly. Distracted driving isn’t just a personal safety issue anymore; it’s becoming a serious problem for businesses. A new survey by Teletrac Navman found that 70% of businesses have been affected by distracted driving truck accidents, with cell phone use being named the leading cause by 68% of respondents.
According to Teletrac Navman CEO Alan Samaha, the numbers demonstrate just how urgent this issue has become. As a result, fleet operators around the world are actively seeking ways to make meaningful changes.
“Safety and distracted driving both jeopardizes the lives of drivers and endangers the public and poses substantial commercial risks, including rising insurance premiums and other direct costs associated with safety incidents,” Samaha said.
How prevalent is distracted driving among truckers?
Distracted driving isn’t new, but it’s getting worse as our reliance on mobile devices grows. Cell phones make it easier than ever for truck drivers to lose focus behind the wheel. In the U.S. alone, there were 523,796 large truck accidents in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Many trucking companies are turning to a combination of training, technology, and a culture of safety to cut down on distracted driving. One of the most popular tools in their toolbox is advanced telematics. These tools give fleet managers better visibility into what’s happening on the road and help them coach drivers more effectively. Still, accidents involving distracted truck drivers continue to happen—and when they do, the consequences can be devastating.
Despite telematics systems that track sudden braking, swerving, or in-cab distractions, the reality is that technology alone isn’t enough to eliminate risky behavior behind the wheel.
Some companies fail to act on the data these systems provide, while others prioritize delivery deadlines over safety. As a result, innocent drivers are the ones who pay the price in serious or even fatal crashes. That’s why it’s so important to hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable when distracted driving leads to harm.
Why does this matter in truck accident cases?
Distracted truck driving is dangerous enough. In many cases, truck drivers fail to see other vehicles on the road and cause collisions at full speed. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles are enough to cause widespread damage, injuries, and fatalities.
On top of that, a single distracted driving crash can cost trucking companies and their insurance providers millions. That means trucking and insurance companies will do everything possible to keep their liability as low as possible, even at the expense of crash victims and their families.
Trucking companies will often try to avoid liability by:
Delaying or denying access to evidence
They may delay turning over driver logs, maintenance records, or dashcam footage. This evidence can prove driver fatigue, hours-of-service violations, or poor vehicle maintenance.
Blaming the driver or third parties
Trucking companies might pin the blame entirely on the individual driver or other drivers involved in the crash. While a trucker may be partly responsible, the company is often liable for poor hiring practices, training failures, scheduling pressure, or ignoring safety violations.
Rushing to settle before victims understand the full damage
Insurance companies often push for fast, lowball settlements before the injured person knows the extent of their injuries. Early offers may not come close to covering long-term medical costs, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Destroying or “losing” data
Trucking companies may erase or “misplace” digital records from GPS units, electronic logging devices, or camera systems. This data can show the truck’s speed, braking, hours of operation, and more.
Misclassifying drivers to avoid liability
In some cases, trucking companies call their drivers “independent contractors” even when they control schedules, routes, and equipment. This tactic is used to argue that the company isn’t legally responsible for the driver’s actions.
Hiding a history of safety violations
A company may downplay or omit prior citations, crashes, or violations during investigations. A history of safety problems can help show negligence or a pattern of dangerous practices.
Get a Nashville truck accident lawyer who won't back down
If you were hurt in a truck accident involving a distracted trucker, don’t wait to get the help you need. These cases are complicated, and the trucking company will act quickly to protect their own interests. You deserve someone in your corner who knows how to fight back. The Law Office of Eric Beasley has spent more than two decades helping crash victims in Nashville recover the compensation they deserve after serious truck accidents.
When you hire our law firm, we'll get right on the case. We gather the facts quickly before the trucking companies can hide the truth. We also handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, so you're not taken advantage of.
During your free consultation, we'll walk you through your potential legal options, answer your questions honestly, and explain what to expect each step of the way. There’s no pressure and no confusing legal talk, just clear, straightforward guidance from someone who knows how to handle truck accident cases like yours.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us online or call our law offices in Nashville or Goodlettsville today to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.
“If you are looking for an honest, trustworthy lawyer who keeps you informed and is always on top of his game, you want Eric. He is professional, honest, and reliable. He is very easy to talk to and straight to the point. I personally would not go to anyone else.” - K.G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐