Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted Driving Accidents

Were you injured in a distracted driving car accident in Texas

In our smartphone-addicted society, more and more people seem to have difficulty putting their phones down while they drive. Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of texting and driving, many drivers can’t seem to resist the urge to check their phones or send a quick text when they’re behind the wheel. Unfortunately, texting and driving significantly increases the chances of being involved in a serious car accident.

In 2015, there were more than 100,000 crashes in Texas caused by distracted driving, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Over 400 of these crashes were fatal and over 3,000 people suffered incapacitating injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving car accident in Texas, you may qualify to file distracted driving car accident lawsuit. Contact Michael Anthony Emma at The Emma Law Firm in the Dallas area for a FREE consultation.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to the act of driving while engaged in an activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.

Distracted driving may involve something that takes the driver’s eyes off the road or simply takes their mental concentration away from the act of driving the vehicle.

As a result, the driver may experience a reduced reaction time and a failure to respond appropriately to road hazards or the actions of other vehicles on the road.

Many people have learned the hard way about the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatal car accidents.

Many activities contribute to distracted driving: eating while driving, talking on a cell phone, texting and driving, or tending to a child or pet while driving. These things can easily take the driver’s mind (and eyes) off the road for enough time to cause an accident.

Texting and Driving Statistics

Approximately 3,300 fatalities per year are related to distracted driving, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Texting and driving reportedly cause 500,000 injuries and fatalities each year. And nearly 70 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 claim to have used their phone while driving.

Texting and driving statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that drivers who text while driving are more than 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Unlike other distractions that take our attention off the road, texting takes our eyes off the road and quickly takes our mind off driving, greatly increasing the chance of a traffic accident.

NHTSA texting and driving stats also suggest that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.

Legal Repercussions of Distracted Driving

If there is evidence that a driver was engaged in distracted driving at the time of an accident, it can support a claim of negligence or recklessness. There are many ways to determine whether distracted driving was a factor in a car crash, including witness statements and cell phone records.

If there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident, the driver may be found to be at fault for the accident and be liable for damages.

A finding that the driver is at fault due to distracted driving will make a stronger case for the victim and be more likely to result in an award of damages in a car accident lawsuit.

Were You Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident in Texas?

If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Texas, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of wages, and other losses you experienced. If a loved one was killed in a fatal distracted driving accident, you may qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Following a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you don’t feel like your injury is severe, it is a good idea to be evaluated by a medical professional and document your injuries. In many cases, the true extent of car accident injuries may not be known for days or weeks after the accident.

It is a good idea to keep records about what you remember about the accident, including information about the other driver’s attentiveness just before the car crash. You should also take notes about the road conditions, weather, hazards, or other information that may have contributed to the car collision.

If you seek medical treatment, keep records of all of your appointments and any times you have had to miss work due to your injuries. This information will be helpful to the insurance adjuster, and it will also be helpful to your personal injury attorney if you decide to pursue legal action.

Should You File a Distracted Driving Lawsuit?

No matter what type of circumstances led to a car accident, the aftermath is typically very stressful. You may wish to consult with an experienced Texas car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and the types of compensation you may be eligible to claim. You may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering.

If you choose to consult with an attorney, a Texas car accident lawyer will review your case and help you determine what steps you should take next to seek the compensation you deserve. If appropriate, the lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement with an insurance adjuster or prepare your case for trial.

The Emma Law Firm offers a FREE consultation in this type of legal matter. Fill out the form below for more information.