Truck Accidents Caused by Distraction from Electronic Devices in St. Louis

Trucker looking at his phone while driving

When a truck driver takes their eyes off the road to check a phone or send a text, the consequences for other drivers can be catastrophic. In addition to cell phones, which virtually all motorists carry, commercial truck drivers also have devices like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and electronic dispatch consoles vying for their attention.

If a distracted truck driver hurts you or someone you love in St. Louis, you have legal options, and you don’t have to figure them out alone. A distracted driving truck accident lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can review your case, explain your rights, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Can a Truck Driver Legally Use a Cell Phone While Driving in Missouri?

Yes, but there are restrictions. Missouri distracted driving laws prohibit all drivers, commercial and non-commercial alike, from holding or using an electronic communication device while driving. Under state law, no driver can physically hold a phone, send or read texts, make calls, browse the Internet, watch videos, or otherwise use a handheld device while driving on any public road.

Hands-free use is permitted, but the rules differ depending on the type of driver. Non-commercial drivers can use voice-operated or hands-free features freely. Commercial drivers, including truck drivers, can use hands-free features as long as they remain seated and belted.

The law also allows commercial drivers to read messages on permanently installed, vehicle-mounted communication devices with screens no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches.

How Do Electronic Devices Increase the Risk of Semi-Truck Crashes?

Distracted driving is dangerous for any driver, but the stakes are far higher when their vehicle weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that commercial drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a “safety-critical event,” such as a crash or near-crash.

A driver moving at highway speeds can travel the entire length of a football field in the five seconds it takes to glance at a single text message. Texting is particularly dangerous because it combines three types of distraction into one activity: visual (eyes off the road), manual (hands off the wheel), and cognitive (mind off driving).

For the driver of a fully loaded semi-truck that may take several seconds to stop, even a brief lapse in attention can mean the difference between a near-miss and a catastrophic collision.

Who Is Liable in a St. Louis Truck Accident Caused by Cell Phone Use?

Liability in a distracted driving truck accident usually rests with the truck driver, but it can extend to other parties, too. Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties could include:

Truck driver – A commercial motor vehicle driver who violates state or federal handheld device restrictions could be directly liable for negligence. Their decision to use a device behind the wheel is a clear breach of their duty of care to other road users.
Trucking company – Employers can be held vicariously liable for their employee drivers’ on-duty conduct under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior. A company can also face direct liability if it failed to enforce distracted driving policies or pressured the driver to stay connected while on the road.
Third-party dispatcher or logistics company – If a dispatcher was communicating with the driver at the time of the crash through a phone call, text, or electronic messaging system, that party may also bear some responsibility.

How Do Lawyers Prove a Truck Driver Was Distracted by a Device?

Lawyers must conduct proactive investigations to prove distracted driving cases against truck drivers. Evidence in these cases can disappear or deteriorate soon after the crash. An experienced truck accident attorney from Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can move quickly to:

Send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, demanding they preserve all relevant records
Subpoena the driver’s phone records to identify calls, texts, or app use at the time of the crash
Obtain data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) and event data recorder (black box), which can show speed, braking, and driver behavior in the moments before impact
Gather any available surveillance or dashcam footage from the scene
Secure statements from eyewitnesses while their memories are still fresh

What Evidence Is Used in Missouri Distracted Truck Accident Cases?

A successful truck accident claim typically relies on multiple categories of evidence working together. In distracted driving cases specifically, the following are often the most useful:

Cell phone records that show exactly when the driver made calls, sent texts, or used data
ELD data that captures location and movement details relevant to how the crash unfolded
Black box data that monitors things like speed, throttle position, and harsh braking
Driver logs and inspection reports that reveal prior violations or patterns of non-compliance
Accident reconstruction reports that analyze physical and electronic evidence to establish how the crash happened and what the driver was doing at the time

What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Truck Accident in St. Louis?

Missouri law gives truck accident victims the right to seek compensation for a wide range of financial and personal losses related to a crash, including:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

How Do Federal FMCSA Rules Regulate Electronic Device Use for Truck Drivers?

The FMCSA’s rules on truck driver cell phone use are strict. Under federal regulations, commercial drivers are prohibited from holding or using a handheld mobile phone while driving. Drivers cannot hold a phone to make a call, dial by pressing more than a single button, or reach for a device in a way that requires them to move out of a properly seated position.

Hands-free phone use is permitted, but only when the hands-free device can be activated with a single touch or voice command and the driver doesn’t have to reposition to reach it. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $2,750 in fines per offense for drivers and up to $11,000 for carriers who allow or require drivers to use handheld devices.

Our St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Help People Hurt by Distracted Driving

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC have dedicated more than 30 years to fighting for people who suffered serious injuries in truck accidents and other collisions caused by negligent drivers. We know what it takes to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable.

If a distracted driver hurts you in St. Louis, contact us now for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer who will fight for you.

(314) 367-2661