What You Should Know About Distracted Driving Accidents

 Posted on October 27, 2022 in Truck Accidents

Few things are more frightening than spotting a driver who is staring down at their phone or another distraction headed right for you, oblivious to your presence. Distracted driving accidents can be terrifying - and are generally completely preventable. The frustrating thing about car accidents involving an inattentive driver is how easily the at-fault party could have prevented the accident just by paying attention to the road. Distracted driving is not only dangerous, but it may be illegal in certain scenarios. Using a cell phone while driving may earn Texas drivers a ticket except in certain circumstances. If you were injured by a driver who was distracted by their cell phone or any other attention-grabbing stimuli other than the road, they may be financially liable to you for your injuries and other damages. It is generally best to work with an attorney while pursuing compensation for a distracted driving accident. 

Can Texas Drivers Use Cell Phones at All?

Cell phones are a very, very common culprit in distracted driving accidents. While Texas state law allows drivers over the age of 18 to talk on their phones using hands-free technology, some cities and municipalities have enacted their own ordinances prohibiting even this use of a phone. 

Otherwise, drivers in Texas may only use their phones in limited situations. For example, a driver may use their phone while stopped at a red light. Devices may also be used for things like navigation and playing music, if the car itself is not equipped with these integrations. Vehicles with integrated infotainment systems are still relatively new, and there is not yet a significant amount of legislation pertaining to their use. 

Other Common Distractions

Distracted driving accidents have been around far longer than cell phones - indeed, distracted driving accidents likely predate automobiles entirely. Other common distractions that lead to accidents include: 

• Personal grooming – People have been known to apply makeup or style their hair while driving to save time. Of course, nothing slows you down quite like an accident. 
• Passengers – Child passengers and intoxicated passengers are all notorious for creating distractions. 
• Music – Even before drivers primarily played music from a cell phone or integrated system, drivers became distracted fumbling with CDs or tapes. 
• Finding items – Drivers who are trying to find an item inside their car should pull over to look for it rather than attempting to search a moving vehicle for which they are responsible for controlling. 

If you were injured by a distracted driver, it is likely that they were negligent in causing your injuries and you are entitled to compensation. 

Contact a Dallas County Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. is skilled in investigating and proving the cause of a distracted driving accident. Our experienced Dallas distracted driving accident attorneys will strive to win you the compensation you need. Contact us at 214-221-5800 for a free consultation. 

Source:

 https://ticketschool.com/online-driving-courses/when-can-you-use-your-phone-while-driving-in-texas/