How Cell Phone Use Can Lead to Catastrophic Truck Accidents
By Attorney Brian T. Mohs
Partner, Fried Goldberg, LLC
In a split second, a distracted truck driver can change someone’s life forever. Whether it’s a rear-end crash at highway speed or a failure to slow for stopped traffic, distracted driving is a growing concern in the trucking industry—especially when cell phones are involved.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we represent truck accident victims nationwide and understand how to investigate whether a truck driver was using a phone at the time of the crash. Our firm works quickly to preserve digital evidence, analyze phone and log data, and hold companies accountable for negligence.
Truckers Are Held to a Higher Standard Under the Law
Both Georgia law and federal trucking regulations strictly limit the use of cell phones while driving. For example:
- Truck drivers cannot hold or support a phone while driving.
- They cannot text or record video behind the wheel.
- Federal rules prohibit even reaching for a phone in a way that disrupts the driver’s seated position.
Yet despite these rules, distracted driving remains a serious risk on U.S. roads.
The Truth Is in the Data
After a truck crash, one of the most important steps an attorney can take is to secure the truck driver’s phone records and electronic logging device (ELD) data. These tools can show whether the driver was:
- On a call at the time of the crash
- Using messaging apps
- Routinely engaging in risky behavior while driving
An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to request and interpret this data, including time zone conversions, UTC timestamps, and cell tower usage. When used together with police reports and crash scene evidence, this data can build a powerful case for liability.
Even Hands-Free Calls Can Be Dangerous
Some trucking companies defend their drivers by claiming the call was made via Bluetooth. However, research shows that hands-free phone calls still cause mental distraction and reduce a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions.
In fact, many trucking companies—including Schneider, FedEx, and CRST—have banned all cell phone use while driving. If a driver’s employer allows phone use despite the risks, that decision can open the door to a claim for negligent supervision or training.
Real Case Example: Truck Driver Caught Texting Behind the Wheel
Our attorneys have seen the damage distracted truck drivers can cause. In one case, we represented a man who was rear-ended by a driver in a work truck who was texting while driving. The crash left him with serious neck and back injuries that required spinal fusion surgery.
We secured a $2.75 million settlement for our client—compensation that helped cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. More importantly, the case sent a clear message: texting behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is not just dangerous—it’s unacceptable.
We Know How to Uncover Cell Phone Distraction
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we don’t just handle truck accident cases—we build them from the ground up with an investigative approach designed to uncover the truth. If we suspect cell phone use was involved in your crash, our legal team moves fast to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
We understand how trucking companies defend these cases, and we know how to counter those tactics with hard evidence and clear legal arguments.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney Who Knows How to Fight Back
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash and you believe the driver may have been distracted, don’t wait to take legal action. These cases require fast action, detailed investigation, and a firm with deep experience in trucking litigation.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we dedicate over 95% of our practice to truck and commercial vehicle cases. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
“Brian and the team are very knowledgeable and clear communicators. I always felt as though they were listening to my concerns, and Brian and the team worked very hard for me.” – Michael C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐