The dangers of texting and driving are extremely well documented, as even just taking your eyes off the road for less than a second can lead to a wreck. Despite this knowledge and the fact that texting while driving is illegal, accidents still occur as a result of this negligent behavior. As someone injured in a texting and driving accident in Houston or Harris County, it is vital to understand your rights and the steps you need to take to ensure you receive the fair and just compensation you deserve.
As an empathetic and professional law firm, we strongly believe in advocating for those who have suffered at the hands of irresponsible drivers. If you need help after an accident, contact The Callahan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with our Houston car injury attorneys. We will explain Texas texting and driving laws and help you get the compensation you may be entitled to after a Houston texting and driving accident.
Texting and Driving Car Accident Statistics in Houston and Texas
There’s no question that distracted driving causes significant injuries and deaths in the state of Texas; the prevalence of texting while driving auto accidents in Texas is a cause for concern for all residents. Consider these eye-opening statistics:
- From 2017 to 2021, Texas led the nation in fatal car crashes caused by cell phone use, resulting in 424 deaths during the five-year study window.
- Texas also led in total vehicular deaths reported, with 17,549 fatalities on its roads during that span.
- About 2.4% of all fatal crashes in Texas between 2017 and 2021 were the result of drivers using their phones while behind the wheel, placing Texas 11th among all states for the percentage of fatal crashes caused by drivers distracted by mobile phones.
In response to these alarming figures, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched a month-long “Talk. Text. Crash.” campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of mobile device distractions while driving. Despite this effort, deaths as a result of accidents involving distracted drivers increased by 10 percent in 2022, and the last deathless day on Texas roadways was November 7, 2000.
Houston Distracted Driving – Texas Texting and Driving Laws
To understand the actions that could lead to personal injury claims, it’s essential to be aware of the Texas texting and driving laws. These rules include the following:
- No use of mobile phones while driving – this includes talking or texting with a handheld device.
- Drivers with learner’s permits are prohibited from using cell phones in the first six months of driving.
- Using any handheld device in your vehicle in a school zone is illegal.
- Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using handheld devices.
- School bus drivers may not use cell phones at all while driving if children are present.
These laws are in place to minimize the risks associated with texting and driving. Unfortunately, not everyone complies with these laws, and injuries still occur.
Most Common Injuries from Texting and Driving Accidents in Houston
When a driver chooses to text while operating a vehicle, the consequences can be damaging or even fatal; it just takes a split second of a driver taking their hands off the wheel or their attention away from the road for serious injuries to occur. Some of the most common injuries sustained in texting and driving car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis
- Whiplash, strains and sprains
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
Regardless of the severity, injuries sustained in a texting and driving accident can lead to significant pain, medical bills, and physical and emotional trauma. In cases where someone is seriously injured, it can lead to paralysis, coma and death. While financial compensation can’t solve every problem, it can help give you the freedom to focus on your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Get from A Texting and Driving or Other Distracted Driving Accident
Being involved in a car accident caused by distracted driving – like someone who was texting and driving – can result in severe injuries and significant financial losses. However, in these cases, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help rebuild your life, most commonly including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical-related costs, including emergency treatment, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed due to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost during recovery and potential future earnings if the injury affects long-term work capability.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. This is often calculated based on the severity and impact of the injuries.
- Physical Impairment: Compensation for inability or decreased ability to do things physically, whether temporary or permanent.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional compensation known as punitive damages may be sought to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct.
If you have suffered injuries due to a texting and driving accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the full range of compensation available under the law.
What Should I Do After a Houston Texting and Driving Accident
After experiencing a texting and driving accident in Houston, TX, taking prompt and appropriate actions is crucial to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do.
- Ensure Safety: Prioritize safety by checking for injuries. If possible, move to a safe area to avoid further accidents.
- Call Emergency Services: Contact the police to report the accident and request medical help if there are any injuries.
- Document the Scene: When it can be done safely, capture photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries, and collect contact details of witnesses. This documentation is helpful for insurance and legal purposes.
- Police Report: When the police come to the scene, the officer should investigate the crash, determine the cause, and document the findings in a police crash report. An official police report provides an authoritative account of the accident, which is vital for insurance claims and legal action.
- Seek Medical Attention: It is not uncommon that injuries are not immediately apparent after a car crash. Getting a thorough medical examination – even if you may not think you need it – ensures that all injuries are identified, properly documented and treated.
- Consult an Attorney: Houston attorneys experienced in texting and driving accidents can offer personalized legal advice and assist in navigating distracted driving cases during a free case evaluation.
By following these recommended steps after a Houston texting and driving accident, you can help ensure your well-being is prioritized while setting the groundwork for pursuing the compensation you deserve. Remember that seeking professional guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable support throughout the claims process.
Reasons to Hire a Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer in Houston
If you’re involved in an accident caused by texting and driving, it is essential to have a legal team on your side that understands the nuances of these cases and is up-to-date with state and local distracted driving laws. Here are a few key reasons why hiring a Houston texting and driving car accident lawyer can be crucial to your case:
- Comprehensive Investigation: A skilled lawyer will take steps to gather evidence proving the other distracted driver’s negligence by collecting phone records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and potentially more. They’ll be able to build a solid case and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Expert Negotiation: Insurance companies will try to settle cases for less than their true value. Knowledgeable distracted driving accident attorneys can negotiate with them on your behalf, ensuring you receive full and fair compensation under the law.
- Trial Experience: In the event your case goes to trial, having an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer who is a trial lawyer and knows how to present your case to a jury is paramount to achieving a successful outcome.
- Personal Support: The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Dedicated personal injury lawyers will not only provide legal representation but also help to guide you through the process in a way that is compassionate and focuses on your best interest.
If you need a texting and driving accident lawyer, Houston has a lot to choose from. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far – The Callahan Law Firm is here to help you.
Why Choose the Callahan Law Firm as Your Texting and Driving Accident Attorneys in Houston
As the world becomes increasingly connected, more people than ever find it hard to resist the urge to check their phones while driving – justifying it by thinking their eyes are away from the road for just a brief moment. Unfortunately, that ‘one moment’ when a person is texting while driving can lead to devastating accidents, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a texting and driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal representation from an experienced accident lawyer. Here’s why choosing The Callahan Law Firm is the best choice:
More Than 25 Years of Experience: We have over 25 years of experience in helping individuals and families navigate complicated personal injury claims. This invaluable background enables our attorneys to provide highly effective legal representation with the goal of getting full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Undivided Attention and Accessibility: In the aftermath of a texting and driving accident, communication and accessibility are essential. We make it easy to stay in touch with our experienced attorneys. Whether you prefer face-to-face meetings, phone calls, text messages, emails, or video chats, our team is available to provide support and guidance that you need.
No Fees Unless We Recover Money for You: We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge any fees or get reimbursed case expenses unless there is a financial recovery in your case. Our goal is to help you regain your financial footing and move forward from this difficult experience.
Don’t let a texting and driving accident define your life. Whether you’re dealing with the physical, financial, or emotional aftermath of a distracted driving accident, you deserve experienced and dedicated legal representation. By choosing the Callahan Law Firm as your Houston texting and driving accident lawyers, you can trust that you’re in capable hands to help you secure the compensation and support you need to reclaim your life. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the road to recovery if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence.
