Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Collisions in Palmdale: The Role of Distracted Driving

Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents are among the most catastrophic types of crashes in Palmdale, California. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, large trucks and commercial vehicles pose a significant danger to passenger cars, motorcyclists, and pedestrians when involved in accidents. One of the leading causes of trucking collisions is distracted driving—a preventable yet increasingly common issue that puts countless lives at risk.

With truck drivers driving through Palmdale and the Antelope Valley spending long hours behind the wheel, distractions can become a deadly factor in commercial vehicle collisions.

Palmdale truck accident attorneys at Kistler Law Firm explore the impact of distracted driving in trucking accidents, the types of distractions drivers face, liability concerns, and how victims can pursue compensation if they are injured in a truck-related crash.

How Distracted Driving Contributes to Palmdale Trucking Accidents

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. For truck drivers, distractions can be especially dangerous due to the longer stopping distances, slower reaction times, and larger blind spots associated with commercial trucks. When a distracted truck driver fails to react in time, the results can be devastating—often leading to multi-vehicle collisions, severe injuries, and fatalities.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers who engage in distracting activities are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared to those who remain focused on the road. The combination of highway speeds, heavy cargo loads, and long-haul fatigue makes it essential for truck drivers to stay alert and avoid distractions at all costs.

Common Types of Distracted Driving in Trucking Accidents

Truck drivers face many of the same distractions as regular motorists, but their unique job demands increase the likelihood of certain distractions becoming more dangerous. Below are some of the most common distractions that contribute to trucking and commercial vehicle collisions:

1. Mobile Phone Use and Texting

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, and for truck drivers, it is prohibited under federal regulations. The FMCSA bans all commercial drivers from texting or using handheld mobile devices while operating a truck. Despite this law, some truckers still text, browse social media, or use their phones while driving—leading to deadly consequences.

2. In-Cab Technology Distractions

Many commercial vehicles are equipped with GPS systems, dispatching devices, and other technology to help truckers navigate and communicate with their employers. However, adjusting these devices while driving can be just as dangerous as texting. Looking away from the road for just a few seconds to interact with an electronic logbook or GPS device significantly increases the risk of a crash.

3. Eating, Drinking, and Multitasking

Truck drivers often have tight deadlines and may eat meals or drink beverages while driving to save time. This act takes their hands off the wheel and shifts their focus away from driving. Even momentary distractions can cause a driver to drift out of their lane, miss traffic signals, or fail to stop in time to avoid a collision.

4. Fatigue and Drowsy Driving

While fatigue isn’t always classified as a distraction, it has similar effects on a driver’s awareness and reaction time. Many truck drivers work long shifts and may push themselves beyond safe limits to meet deadlines. Fatigue leads to delayed reactions, poor judgment, and an increased risk of drifting into other lanes or off the road.

5. External Distractions (Billboards, Accidents, and Roadside Activity)

Truck drivers, like all motorists, can become distracted by external factors, such as billboards, roadside accidents, or unusual activity near highways. Looking away from the road—even for just a second—can lead to lane departures, sudden braking, or rear-end collisions.

Liability in Distracted Truck Driving Accidents

When a truck driver causes an accident due to distracted driving, determining liability can be complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The Truck Driver – If the truck driver was texting, adjusting in-cab technology, or otherwise distracted, they can be held directly liable for the crash.
• The Trucking Company – If the trucking company failed to enforce safety policies or pressured drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, they may be partially liable for the accident.
• The Truck Manufacturer – If a defective truck part (such as a faulty dashboard control) contributed to the distraction, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
• Third-Party Logistics or Maintenance Providers – If the truck was improperly maintained or loaded in a way that contributed to the accident, other parties may share liability.

A Palmdale trucking accident attorney can help identify all liable parties and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Pursuing Compensation After a Trucking Accident

Victims of distracted truck driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and financial losses. One of the most significant areas of compensation is medical expenses, which can cover everything from emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation to long-term medical care that may be required for serious injuries. Given the severe nature of truck accidents, many victims face long recovery periods and require ongoing medical treatment, making it crucial to seek full compensation for current and future medical costs.

Another major area of financial recovery is lost wages and future earnings. If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they can recover compensation for lost income during their recovery period. In more serious cases, if the injuries result in permanent disability or reduced earning capacity, the victim may also be entitled to damages for future lost wages. This can be especially important for those whose physical limitations prevent them from returning to their previous occupation or significantly reduce their ability to earn a living.

Beyond financial losses, victims of trucking accidents can also seek compensation for pain and suffering. This includes emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and long-term physical pain resulting from the accident. Truck crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries, which can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and emotional trauma that significantly affects a person’s quality of life. While insurance companies may attempt to downplay these non-economic damages, they are a crucial part of any fair settlement.

Property damage compensation is also an important aspect of truck accident claims. Victims can recover the costs to repair or replace their vehicle and any other damaged personal property. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, vehicles involved in these collisions are often totaled or require extensive repairs, adding another layer of financial stress for victims.

For families who have lost a loved one due to a distracted truck driver, wrongful death damages may be available. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. The sudden loss of a loved one can leave families struggling emotionally and financially, making it essential to seek full and fair compensation to cover these unexpected burdens.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. They may argue that the victim was partially at fault, dispute the severity of injuries, or attempt to settle for far less than what is deserved. This is where having a skilled truck accident attorney can make all the difference. An experienced lawyer can fight back against these tactics, gather strong evidence to support the claim, and ensure that victims and their families receive the full compensation they need and deserve.

How Kistler Law Firm Can Help

At Kistler Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling trucking accident cases in Palmdale, Lancaster, and the Antelope Valley. We understand the devastating consequences of commercial truck accidents and are committed to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our dedicated legal team takes a strategic and aggressive approach to ensure that our clients receive justice and the maximum possible financial recovery.

One of the first steps we take is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. We gather crucial evidence, including cell phone records, black box data, and eyewitness statements, to determine whether the truck driver was distracted or negligent at the time of the crash. We also work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to build a compelling case that clearly establishes liability and the full extent of our client’s injuries.

In addition to holding the truck driver accountable, we also investigate the trucking company’s role in the accident. Many crashes result from negligent hiring, lack of proper training, or failure to enforce safety policies. If a trucking company failed to follow federal regulations, allowed an unqualified or fatigued driver to operate a commercial vehicle, or did not properly maintain their trucks, they can also be held legally responsible for the damages caused.

We also take an aggressive stance in negotiations with insurance companies to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, but we push back against unfair settlement offers and fight for compensation that covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. Our firm has a proven track record of securing high-value settlements for accident victims, and we won’t back down when insurance companies attempt to shortchange our clients.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial. Unlike some firms that settle quickly to avoid litigation, Kistler Law Firm is ready to fight in court if necessary to ensure our clients receive the justice they deserve. Our trial attorneys have the experience and skill to present compelling arguments before a jury, holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies fully accountable for the harm they have caused.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident due to distracted driving, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner we begin investigating your case, the stronger your claim will be. Contact Kistler Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights, your recovery, and your future.

Call now to schedule your free case evaluation. Let’s hold distracted truck drivers accountable and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.