Fort Worth Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 18% of Texas motor vehicle accidents in 2018 resulted from distracted driving. Of that percentage, there were over 2,000 serious injuries and almost 400 deaths from distracted driving. Fort Worth is no exception when it comes to drivers operating their vehicles with distractions.
If you were hurt in an accident because another driver was not paying enough attention to the road, you may be entitled to full compensation for your damages. You should talk to a Fort Worth distracted driving accident lawyer today to know your full legal options.
Our Dallas car accident lawyers can set you up with the best distracted driving accident lawyer for your case. We are passionate about bringing justice for injury victims hurt by another driver’s negligence. To get a 100% FREE consultation today, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online.
Cell Phones Have Increased the Number of Distracted Drivers in Fort Worth
Cell phone use is one of the most common types of distracted driving in Texas. You’ll rarely see someone without a cell phone in their hand these days, and many people make the unfortunate decision to try using their phone while also driving. The results of this negligence can be catastrophic and even deadly.
Texas Distracted Driving Laws
In response to the increase in texting and driving (and its dangers), Texas banned texting and driving in 2017 through House Bill 62. The distracted driving laws in Texas prohibit:
- Any type of texting, instant messaging, emailing, or other electronic messaging
- Drivers from using handheld devices in school crossing zones
- School bus drivers from using cell phones whenever they are driving a bus with children present
- Drivers below the age of 18 from using any wireless communication devices
- Drivers above the age of 18 but with learner’s permits from using handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving
Using a handheld cell phone is still legal in Texas for other drivers, but Dallas and other cities have created their own laws to make the act illegal.
It’s important for drivers to know that even hands-free and voice-to-text options for cell phone use contribute to distracted driving and are dangerous. The best action when you need to send a text or phone call is to pull over to a safe place and stop your car first.
Other Types of Distracted Driving in Fort Worth
Besides cell phone use, other types of distracted driving in Fort Worth include doing any of the following while operating a motor vehicle:
- Putting on makeup
- Eating and drinking
- Messing with a GPS system
- Changing a radio channel
- Reading
- Shaving
- Grooming
- Getting distracted by passengers, kids, or pets in the car
In short, distracted driving can be anything that removes your attention from driving. If a driver causes an accident while they are distracted, they are likely liable for the costs of the accident.
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, speak with a Fort Worth distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as you can. They can let you know your legal options and help you begin building a strong case. To get a FREE, no-risk consultation with an experienced attorney today, call (469) 998-4069 or contact us online.
Proving Fault and Negligence in a Distracted Driving Accident
To have a distracted driving case, you will need to prove that:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care.
- That driver breached that duty.
- The driver’s breached duty resulted in your distracted driving accident.
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
All drivers on Texas roads have a duty to exercise reasonable care and act in a way that does not harm other drivers. Driving while distracted is a violation of that duty because it means a driver is not putting their full attention on the task of driving. So, a driver who is distracted has breached their duty of care, which is also known as negligence.
You will need to show that the driver’s negligence led directly to your accident and your injuries. This is where things can be tricky. You’ll file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company—but the insurance company will look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you.
Building Your Case and Fighting for Your Rights
Thankfully, experienced distracted driving accident lawyers exist to help victims like you prove what happened and pursue the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will work to build a strong case for you and handle the insurance company.
A common tactic from insurance companies after an accident is to offer the victim a lowball settlement upfront. This settlement amount will hardly be enough to cover a fraction of your total damages, but the insurer will try to make you feel like it’s the best deal you can get.
Don’t be fooled. You should have to pay for damages caused by another driver’s negligence. Our lawyers are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies and working to get you the full recovery you need and deserve.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Fort Worth
After texting and driving became illegal in Texas, drivers who are caught texting have faced fines ranging from $25 to $99. If they have more than one offense, the fines can be much higher.
Texting and driving is also a misdemeanor crime in Texas, which will go the offending driver’s record and can significantly increase their auto insurance premium.
If someone is injured or killed in an accident caused by the at-fault driver texting, they can face up to a year in jail and $4,000 fine.
Call for FREE, No-Risk Consultation with a Fort Worth Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt by the actions of a distracted driver, don’t wait to get the legal assistance you deserve. Our Dallas car accident lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win for you, so there is no risk to work with us or reach out.
Call us today at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation and get matched with the best attorney for your legal needs.
