Distracted driving truck accidents often happen in seconds, but the damage can last for years, or even a lifetime. When a commercial truck driver looks down at a phone, scrolls through a dispatch screen, or types into a device, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can travel the length of a football field without the driver watching the road. This kind of inattention puts everyone nearby at risk.
If you were hurt in a crash involving a distracted truck driver, you are not dealing with an ordinary car accident. Federal safety rules apply, electronic data may exist, and the trucking company’s policies matter.
At Munley Law, our truck accident lawyers have nearly seven decades of experience handling cases involving distracted driving, including crashes tied to texting and onboard devices. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your distracted driving truck accident case.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Distracted Driving Causes Serious Truck Crashes
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Because of its size and weight, it takes much longer to stop, has wide blind spots, and can’t swerve as quickly as a passenger vehicle.
When a driver is distracted, those physical limits become dangerous. We often see:
- Rear-end collisions in slow traffic
- Lane departure crashes
- Failure to brake in construction zones
- Missed traffic signals
In one case our firm handled, a family of three was killed when a tractor-trailer driver looked down at his phone and never slowed for stopped traffic. We secured a $19.8 million settlement for the family’s estate. The key evidence included phone records and electronic data from the truck.
A semi truck distracted driving accident is not just about careless behavior. It’s about whether the driver and company followed federal safety rules designed to prevent exactly this kind of harm.
Federal Rules That Ban Texting and Handheld Phone Use
Commercial drivers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The agency sets nationwide safety standards for interstate trucking. 
Two rules matter most in distraction cases:
- 49 CFR § 392.80 – Prohibits texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle.
- 49 CFR § 392.82 – Bans the use of a handheld mobile phone while operating a commercial motor vehicle.
These regulations are published in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations through the U.S. Government’s eCFR system. Under these rules, drivers cannot hold a phone, dial by pressing more than one button, or reach for a device in a way that requires them to leave a seated driving position.
The handheld mobile phone ban for CDL drivers applies even when traffic is light. A violation can lead to fines, disqualification of the driver’s commercial license, and penalties against the trucking company.
When a texting truck driver accident occurs, proof that the driver violated 49 CFR § 392.80 can support a negligence claim. It shows the driver ignored a clear federal safety rule.
Commercial Driver Cell Phone Laws and Company Policies
Federal law sets the basic safety rules. Trucking companies have to follow those rules, and many also create their own safety policies for their drivers.
Many carriers claim they have “zero tolerance” rules for phone use. The question is whether they enforce them. In a truck accident caused by phone use, we look at:
- Written company policies
- Disciplinary records
- Prior safety violations
- Training materials
- Driver handbooks
If a company knew a driver had prior cell phone violations and did nothing, that can strengthen a claim against the trucking company.
We have also seen cases where dispatchers text drivers while they are on the road. A driver may feel pressure to respond quickly. That pressure does not excuse breaking federal law.
Electronic Logging Device Distraction and In-Cab Technology
Modern trucks feature more screens than ever. Drivers use electronic logging devices, GPS units, messaging systems, and sometimes carrier-provided tablets to track hours of service.
Electronic logging devices, or ELDs, are required by federal law. They record how long a truck driver has been on the road to ensure the driver complies with the FMCSA’s hours-of-service limits.
The problem is not the device itself. The problem is how it is used.
An electronic logging device distraction issue can come up if:
- The driver was typing or scrolling while the truck was moving
- The screen blocked part of the windshield
- The company required the driver to enter updates while driving
Even if a truck driver follows the legal limits on how many hours they can drive, they can still cause a potentially fatal crash if they are looking at a screen instead of the road.
Hours-of-service rules are about preventing fatigue. They are not about distraction. So a driver can be “within the legal hours” and still be negligent if they are typing, scrolling, or checking a device while driving.
Proving a Distracted Truck Driver Crash
Distraction cases are built on data, and our truck accident attorneys do not rely on guesswork. We gather objective evidence such as:
Phone Records
Phone records can show whether a call or text was sent at the time of impact, and even a few seconds of distraction can make a difference. At 65 miles per hour, a truck travels about 95 feet in a single second, which means the driver may cover the length of a basketball court without looking at the road.
Data From the Black Box
Most commercial trucks contain an event data recorder, often called a “black box.” It can capture:
- Speed before impact
- Brake application
- Throttle position
- Sudden deceleration
If the data shows no braking before a collision, that can support an inference of inattention.
Onboard Camera Footage
Many trucking companies now use forward-facing and driver-facing cameras in their trucks. This footage can show whether the driver was holding a phone or looking down at the time of the crash.
Driver Inattention Evidence
We also look at:
- Logbook entries
- Dispatch communications
- GPS tracking
- Statements made after the crash
In one case, we obtained a $2.8 million settlement for a client killed when he was struck by a distracted box truck driver. The evidence included digital communication records and a reconstruction of the truck’s speed.
When a crash involves truck driver negligence, the difference between suspicion and proof often comes down to electronic data.
Liability in Truck Driver Texting Accident Cases
Liability may extend beyond the driver.
In many truck driver texting accident liability cases, we examine:
- The motor carrier that employed the driver
- The company that owned the trailer
- A broker or shipper, in certain situations
A trucking company can be responsible if it:
- Failed to train drivers on FMCSA distracted driving rules
- Ignored prior safety violations
- Encouraged drivers to respond to messages while driving
- Failed to monitor onboard camera alerts
Under federal law, motor carriers are required to ensure drivers comply with safety regulations. When they fail to do so, that failure can support a claim.
We have secured significant results in truck crash cases, including a $26 million settlement for a driver who received a brain injury in a trucking accident and an $11 million recovery for a beautician severely injured after being rear-ended in road construction by a tractor-trailer. Each case depended on a detailed investigation of the driver’s conduct and the company’s oversight.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Why Distracted Driving Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
In a distracted driving accident, prompt preservation of evidence is crucial.
Electronic evidence can be lost if not preserved. Some data systems overwrite information after a short period. Phone records may require formal requests.
When we take a case involving a semi truck distracted driving accident, we send preservation letters to the carrier and other parties. These letters demand that relevant data, devices, and records be saved.
Failing to preserve evidence after notice can have legal consequences. Courts can impose sanctions if a company destroys key information.
Why Choose Munley Law for Distracted Driving Truck Accidents?
Truck crash litigation requires focused experience with federal regulations and commercial carriers. 
Munley Law has three attorneys board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy: Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, and Katie Nealon. Board certification requires proof of trial experience, judicial references, and a written exam. We are the only law firm in Pennsylvania with three lawyers holding that certification.
Marion Munley is a member of The Summit Council and the American Board of Trial Advocates. She serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice and was the first woman to lead its Trucking Litigation Group. Daniel Munley also served as Chair of the Trucking Litigation Group. Both Marion and Daniel are also certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys and serve on its Board of Regents.
Marion Munley has been named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania for the past three years and has been recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year in multiple practice areas. The firm’s partners hold AV Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell.
These credentials reflect trial work in real courtrooms. They matter when a case involves federal trucking rules and complex electronic evidence.
We handle truck crash cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Distracted Driving Truck Accidents
Are Truck Drivers Allowed to Use Cell Phones at All?
Yes, but only in limited ways. Federal law prohibits truck drivers from texting or holding a phone while driving a commercial vehicle. They can use a hands-free device, but only if they can answer or end a call with a single touch and without picking up the phone.
What If The Truck Driver Says He Was Using a GPS, Not Texting?
It depends on how the device was used. If the driver was typing or looking down at a screen while the truck was moving, that can still show distraction. Electronic records and camera footage often help show what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Can The Trucking Company Be Responsible For a Texting Truck Driver Accident?
Yes. A trucking company can be responsible if it failed to enforce safety rules or expected drivers to respond to messages while driving. Federal rules require trucking companies to make sure their drivers follow the law.
How Long Do I Have To Bring a Claim?
In Pennsylvania, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. The exact deadline can depend on the details of your case.
Talk With a Lawyer About Distracted Driving Truck Accidents
A crash involving a distracted commercial driver raises issues beyond ordinary traffic law. Federal regulations, digital evidence, and corporate safety practices all play a role.
If you were injured in a distracted driving truck accident, Munley Law can review the evidence and explain your options. Consultations are free, and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on February 27, 2026.
