A growing safety threat on East Texas highways
It’s not just your imagination—truck drivers glued to their phones are becoming a serious problem on our roads. According to a recent report by Teletrac Navman, 70% of fleets have been impacted by distracted driving, with cell phone use being the top cause. That statistic should alarm every driver in Henderson County and across East Texas.
At Weinstein Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating these types of truck wrecks can be. One second of distraction can lead to a lifetime of consequences for an innocent victim.
Why truck driver distractions are so dangerous
When a trucker takes their eyes off the road, even briefly, the outcome can be catastrophic. These aren’t just fender-benders we’re talking about—18-wheelers weigh up to 40 tons fully loaded. In a crash, they hit with the force of a wrecking ball.
Cell phones, in particular, are a major culprit of such crashes. Whether a trucker is texting, checking GPS, or scrolling social media, they’re gambling with people's lives. The new data shows that nearly half of businesses reported direct financial losses from distracted driving. Even more said it disrupted operations or caused compliance issues.
For the victims of these crashes, the real cost isn’t measured in dollars—it’s measured in trauma, medical bills, and the ability to live life like they used to.
Technology isn’t solving the problem fast enough
Many companies are trying to get ahead of the issue with forward-facing cameras and driver coaching apps. While these tools are helping, they’re not a cure-all. As long as trucking companies push drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines and turn a blind eye to risky behavior, the problem won’t go away.
And here’s the hard truth: even when drivers are caught on camera doing something dangerous, it often takes legal action to hold them accountable. That's when having an experienced truck accident lawyer becomes essential.
Signs a truck driver may have been distracted
Not every distracted driving truck accident case is obvious at first glance. But in our experience, there are certain red flags that often point to cell phone use or inattention behind the wheel. If you notice any of these signs after a truck wreck, it’s worth raising with your attorney:
- No skid marks at the scene – This may indicate the driver didn’t brake in time because they weren’t paying attention.
- Conflicting statements from the truck driver – Inconsistent explanations could be a sign they’re trying to cover up distraction.
- Late reaction to slowing traffic – Witnesses may report the truck didn’t slow down until it was too late.
- Driving outside the lane – Swerving or drifting can suggest the driver’s eyes weren’t on the road.
- Sudden, sharp braking – Jerky, last-minute braking often accompanies distracted behavior.
Attorney Jeff Weinstein knows how to investigate these crashes and uncover the truth. From demanding cell phone records to working with crash reconstruction teams, he builds cases that hold distracted truck drivers and their employers accountable. If you’ve got questions after a crash, Jeff’s ready to listen—and ready to fight.
When trucking companies don’t take responsibility, Jeff steps in
After a serious truck accident, victims are often left to navigate a maze of denials, deflections, and delays. Trucking companies will send investigators to the crash scene before the dust even settles after an accident. Their insurance adjusters will call with quick cash offers—hoping you’ll settle before you know the full extent of your injuries.
That’s where Jeff comes in. He takes action fast to preserve black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they disappear. He also brings in trusted experts when needed—including a dedicated Brain Trauma Specialist for cases involving head injuries. That level of insight can make a major difference in how much a case is worth—and how well a victim recovers.
When you call Jeff, you’re not getting passed off to an assistant. You get his cell number. You get answers. You get a lawyer who actually cares.
If you were hit by a truck driver who wasn’t paying attention, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact Weinstein Law in Athens, TX. Jeff will review your case for free, walk you through your legal options, and help you figure out the best way to move forward after your truck wreck.
"When an 18-wheeler hit me and I was injured, I didn’t know what to do. I was in pain. I needed medical care. Surgery. Therapy. I didn’t know where to start. All I could focus on was the pain I was in. After only 1 phone call to Jeff Weinstein, everything was in place, and I had doctors, appointments, etc. All of my needs were met after only 1 phone call! — Teresa F., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐