Nearly one in every five car accidents nationwide is linked to distracted driving of one or more motorists involved in the crash. The problem is no different in Harris County. In 2024, there were over 90,000 accidents that had distracted driving as a factor in the crash. If you have been injured in one of these accidents, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. First, you must wage a legal battle with the other driver’s insurance company, and potentially your own, to get a full settlement for your injuries.
The Law Prohibits Certain Forms of Distracted Driving
The Texas Department of Transportation reports that there were 373 fatalities and over 2500 injuries linked to distracted driving throughout the state in 2024. Distracted driving continues to be a major problem in Harris County, despite authorities’ best efforts to both conduct awareness campaigns and enforce existing laws. Texas law makes it illegal to read, write, or send electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle. This applies to texting, emails, and most social media messaging when the vehicle is moving. You cannot use a handheld device when you are behind the wheel and operating the car. There are even stricter laws that apply to younger drivers that virtually ban the use of phones in any way when driving, unless in the event of an emergency.
However, there are numerous segments of the population that do not follow this law. Non-compliance is most prevalent in younger drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. They may not have the maturity or responsibility to know when they should and should not focus on the road fully. Illegal actions are not confined to younger drivers, as anyone may break the law.
Drivers Create Dangers in Other Ways in Harris County
Distracted driving is not just limited to using a handheld device behind the wheel. Drivers may engage in other types of distraction that take their focus away from the road. For example, distracted driving could include eating or drinking behind the wheel or listening to loud music. One can even drive distracted when they are lost in thought and not thinking about defensive driving and traffic safety. Although daydreaming may not be per se illegal, it is certainly an instance of carelessness.
Distracted driving can result in serious car wrecks that lead to life-changing injuries. These accidents can be even more dangerous than other types of motor vehicle crashes because they often occur at high speeds and with no warning whatsoever. Motorists and their passengers should not have to pay the price for the careless actions of other drivers, but they often do exactly that.
You Are Not Obligated to Prove Distraction in a Car Accident Case
You do not have to prove that a driver was distracted to win your case. The actions that result from their distractions are often enough to constitute negligence, even if you do not have evidence that they were on their phone at the time of the crash. Of course, it can help your case immeasurably when you have evidence of distracted driving. Then, the insurance company may be less likely to push what they think is a losing hand by either denying liability or making you extremely low settlement offers. The best thing that you can do for your case is to hire an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to both investigate the crash and prepare the groundwork for filing a claim or lawsuit.
A Harris County Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb Will Fight for You
If you have lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, do not wait to seek legal advice. Reach out to the Harris County car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb. Our legal team will fight for you. Call us today at 832-529-4410 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our office is in Houston, Texas.