Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the safe operation of their vehicle. Three main types of distractions can occur while a driver is operating a motor vehicle:

Some of the most common sources of distracted driving include the following:

Reading or sending a text message takes an average of five seconds. Although that may seem like a short amount of time, a driver who takes their eyes off the road for only five seconds while traveling at 55 miles per hour can travel the length of an entire football field without looking at the road ahead. The Texas Department of Transportation estimates that distracted drivers caused about one in five crashes on Texas roadways in one recent year. That same year, 431 people in Texas were killed in distracted driving collisions, and nearly 3,000 individuals were seriously injured.

Texting while driving is dangerous because it distracts drivers in three ways: visually, manually, and cognitively. Safe driving requires a driver’s full attention the entire time they are behind the wheel. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds can prevent a driver from seeing upcoming hazards or reacting in time to avoid collisions, particularly if traffic suddenly slows or stops.

Distracted driving accidents are preventable. To avoid distractions, drivers should leave their cell phones in the glove box, a purse or bag, or the back seat. They should also select music or look up directions before hitting the road. Young drivers are especially prone to text behind the wheel, so motorists who teach them to drive should set a good example and put their phones away while driving.

Texting while driving is illegal in the state of Texas. Under the law, drivers are prohibited from sending or receiving text messages when driving. If a law enforcement officer catches an individual violating this law, the driver could face fines of up to $99 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses.

Some municipalities have banned all cellphone use while behind the wheel. In El Paso, for instance, drivers are prohibited from using cell phones to talk or send text messages.

Drivers who text behind the wheel put themselves and other road users at risk. Texting while driving can lead to significant accidents, including the following:

Determining liability in a texting-while-driving accident can be challenging because it is not always easy to prove the other driver was texting when the crash occurred. You may suspect a careless driver was using their phone behind the wheel, but your attorney must present evidence to show this was the case.

Lawyers will often use the following types of evidence to build a robust case against the at-fault driver in a texting-while-driving accident:

If you were hurt by a driver texting behind the wheel, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and other losses. The total value of your compensation will vary depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. You may be able to pursue financial relief for the following losses: