All drivers have a responsibility to focus on the road and what is happening around them, especially commercial truck drivers. When a motorist allows their attention to drift, they risk causing a serious accident and harming themselves and others. When a distracted driver is behind the wheel of a large commercial truck, the effects of a collision are often substantially more severe.

If you were hurt in a distracted driving truck accident in Indian Land, South Carolina, you could be entitled to hold the truck driver accountable for the harm they have caused. David Blackwell Law wants to help by preparing your claim and handling all communications and negotiations with the truck driver, their employer, and their insurance and legal teams.

Contact us today to get started with a free case review with an experienced truck accident attorney at our law firm.

Types of Truck Driver Distractions

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and often face considerable pressure to meet delivery deadlines. The pressure and isolation can make them more likely to engage in behaviors that take their attention away from driving. Even a few seconds of inattention can cause a devastating multi-vehicle accident.

Some of the most common distractions for truck drivers include:

  • Texting or using a cell phone
  • Talking on a hands-free or handheld device
  • Eating or drinking while driving
  • Adjusting GPS devices or route-tracking systems
  • Reaching for items in the cab
  • Using in-cab entertainment systems
  • Looking at billboards or roadside signs
  • Daydreaming or being lost in thought
  • Talking with passengers or other drivers on the radio
  • Reading maps, notes, or delivery documents
  • Engaging in grooming or personal care activities
  • Using dispatch systems or electronic logging devices

What Does South Carolina Law Say About Truck Drivers and Cell Phone Use While Driving?

In 2025, South Carolina enacted a new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act limiting how drivers can use electronic devices while operating their vehicles. The law applies to commercial truck drivers as well as the drivers of passenger vehicles.

It prohibits drivers from texting or using a handheld mobile phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle, whether to compose, read, or send text messages or to make or receive calls. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces similar restrictions nationwide.

A violation of distracted driving laws can result in fines, license penalties, and disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle. In addition, a violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence if a distracted truck driver causes a crash.

Truck drivers are still allowed to use hands-free devices, but even then, they must exercise caution. Any activity that takes their focus off the road may be considered a distraction in a civil lawsuit.

Liability for a Distracted Driving Trucking Accident

The driver is the most likely liable party when distracted truck driving leads to a crash. The trucker may be directly liable for failing to give full attention to the road, violating traffic laws, or failing to comply with company safety rules. However, responsibility does not always end with the driver.

For example, the trucking company may also bear liability if it failed to properly train, supervise, or discipline its drivers, or if tight delivery schedules encouraged unsafe practices that increased the temptation to multitask behind the wheel. In some cases, the company’s hiring or retention practices may be called into question if the driver had a history of distracted driving.

If the truck driver was an employee of the trucking company, rather than an actual independent contractor, the company would likely be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.

How to Prove a Distracted Driving Truck Accident Case

When preparing your semi-truck distracted driving claim, you must prove that the truck driver’s lack of attention directly caused the crash and your resulting injuries. That involves showing that the driver had a duty to operate the truck safely, breached that duty through distraction, and caused measurable harm as a result.

To prove your case, you must present evidence that reveals how the accident occurred and shows that the driver was texting or using their phone before the crash. Common types of evidence in these cases may include:

  • Cell phone records
  • GPS data
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) information
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Dashcam or surveillance footage
  • Police reports

Additionally, our lawyer may work with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze skid marks, vehicle positioning, and impact angles to support claims of distracted driving. He may also dig into company records looking for communication with dispatchers or evidence of unrealistic delivery schedules, for example.

Pursuing Compensation After a Distracted Driving Truck Crash

The process of pursuing compensation after a collision with a distracted commercial truck driver begins when you contact our Indian Land personal injury attorney to schedule a consultation. At your initial meeting, attorney David Blackwell will listen to your story, explain your rights, and review your potential next steps. If you wish to pursue a claim, our law firm will take it from there. We can conduct a thorough investigation and protect your rights by communicating directly with the insurance companies on your behalf.

The vast majority of claims are settled through negotiations. Very few cases actually go to trial. However, if the trucking company and its lawyers and insurers do not offer a fair settlement, our attorney may believe it is in your best interest to pursue the case further. If so, we can file a lawsuit. Often, that is sufficient to prompt additional negotiations and secure a settlement, but our lawyer will always prepare as if your case is going to trial. We will keep you informed of your case’s progress throughout the proceedings while you focus on healing.

Contact Our Indian Land Truck Accident Attorney Today

David Blackwell Law has over 26 years of experience representing injured people in Indian Land and surrounding areas of South Carolina who were harmed by the careless actions of distracted truck drivers. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, who were victims of tractor-trailer crashes.

Our team understands what is involved in supporting our clients and fighting for the fair and just outcomes they deserve. As one satisfied client wrote:

“I tried to handle dealing with the insurance company myself, and got the run around for 9 months. I called David Blackwell Law, and David and Dana took it from there, and got it settled in about a month. They were very helpful, and kept me informed of what was going on. If I’m ever in another accident, I’m not dealing with the insurance company I’m calling and letting them handle it.” – Chris C.

Contact David Blackwell Law today to discuss your case with an experienced distracted driving truck accident attorney. We will review your situation and explain your legal options at no financial risk to you.