The Alarming Rise in Distracted Truck Driving Accidents

Truck accidents cause devastating injuries and fatalities every year due to distracted driving. With smartphones, GPS devices, and all other distractions, truck drivers are at risk of causing fatal accidents. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck crash, understanding your rights is critical.

Why Distracted Truck Driving Is So Dangerous

When searching for your Santa Monica truck accident attorney, you need a firm that understands trucking laws. Commercial trucks weigh 20-30 times more than passenger vehicles. A distracted driver may not brake in time, leading to catastrophic collisions.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

• 71% of large-truck crashes occurred when the truck driver was doing something besides driving the vehicle.
  
• Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash or near-crash by 23 times.
  
• At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
  

Common distractions include:

• Texting or phone calls
  
• Eating or drinking while driving
  
• Adjusting GPS or dashboard controls
  
• Fatigue leading to loss of focus
  

Even a few seconds of distraction can cause a multi-vehicle pileup. Victims often face life-altering injuries, from spinal damage to traumatic brain injuries.

How Distracted Driving Violates Trucking Regulations

Federal and state laws strictly prohibit distracted driving for truckers. The FMCSA bans texting and handheld phone use while operating a commercial vehicle.

• Truck drivers caught using a handheld phone can face fines of up to $2,750, and trucking companies can be fined up to $11,000 if they allow or require handheld device use.
  
• In 2021, over 4,700 people died in crashes involving large trucks in the U.S., with distraction and inattention among the leading causes.
  

Violations can result in fines, but more importantly, they can put lives at risk.

Our seasoned truck accident attorney, Donald Randolph, stresses that negligence must be proven to hold trucking companies accountable. Evidence like black box data, driver logs, and witness statements can prove that distraction played a role.

Why Legal Representation Is Critical

Trucking companies and insurers often fight aggressively to deny claims. The at-fault party may blame the victim or argue that the crash was unavoidable. Without strong legal help, injured victims lose out on fair compensation.

At Randolph and Associates, our legal team has decades of combined experience handling complex truck accident cases. We know how to investigate crashes, identify violations, and build strong claims for maximum compensation. Whether dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we fight for what you deserve.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

• Seek medical help immediately – Some injuries show up later.
• Document the scene – Take photos, get witness contacts.
• Preserve evidence – Keep medical records and repair bills.
• Contact a lawyer quickly – Evidence disappears fast.
  

How Randolph and Associates Can Help

Big trucking companies have powerful legal teams. You need an equally strong advocate. We handle every detail—from accident reconstruction to expert testimony—so you can focus on recovery.

How Our Legal Team Can Help

Distracted truck drivers must be held accountable. If you suffered injuries in a crash, time is limited to file a claim. Call 310-395-7900 now for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.