Distracted driving is a growing problem, both nationally and in Texas. With the advent of smartphones, car touchscreens, and other electronic devices, drivers are more distracted than ever before. Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving and causes thousands of accidents in Texas every year.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), nearly one in five crashes on the state’s roads was caused by a distracted driver in 2021. Distracted driving led to 431 deaths and 2,934 serious injuries in Texas that year, a 17% increase from two years before.

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that drivers who text while driving were eleven times slower to respond than non-texters, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 2,300%, a staggering figure.

In Texas, texting while driving has been against the law since 2017. Drivers caught texting while driving can face fines of up to $99, with fines of $200 for subsequent offenses.

What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver

If you are injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you may have internal injuries that are not immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which can be important if you decide to pursue legal action.

A car accident lawyer in Texas can help you understand your legal rights and options. When searching for a car accident lawyer in Texas, it is important to find someone who has experience handling cases involving distracted driving. Look for a lawyer who has a track record of success in obtaining compensation for clients injured in serious car and truck accidents.

It’s also important to gather as much evidence as possible after the accident. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident. This evidence can be important in proving that the other driver was at fault for the accident.

If you decide to pursue legal action after being injured in an accident caused by distracted driving, your lawyer will work to build a strong case on your behalf. This may involve obtaining phone records to prove that the other driver was texting while driving at the time of the accident. It may also involve gathering evidence to show that the other driver was not paying attention to the road.

Our Record Speaks for Itself

The distracted driving accident lawyers at the Roach Law Firm have won landmark judgments and settlements totaling billions of dollars. Their victories include a $730 million victory in a Texas truck accident lawsuit. In 2021, it was named the fourth-largest jury verdict in the nation and third-largest in Texas.

Check out this blog post for a few other tips that will help you find a Texas distracted driving accident lawyer who will get results.