San Antonio Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
Knowledgeable representation for texting and distracted driving accidents in Texas
Safely operating a motor vehicle requires experience, skill, and 100% attention on the road. Unfortunately, millions of drivers throughout the United States engage in distracting behaviors—such as texting and driving—while behind the wheel. This leads to hundreds of thousands of accidents, injuries, and deaths every year.
In Texas, specifically, distracted driving is a major concern. The Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that, in 2021, there were 93,560 distracted driving-related crashes in the state. Bexar County was home to 18,614 of those accidents, 56 of which proved fatal. Other studies have found that areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin are among the nation’s top offenders when it comes to cell phone use while driving.
It is clear that Texas has a distracted driving problem. The good news is that victims of distracted drivers do have legal recourse when it comes to seeking compensation for their damages. If you were injured or if your loved one was killed by a distracted driver, get in touch with our San Antonio distracted driving accident attorney at Pat Maloney, Accident & Injury Attorney right away. With 70 years of experience and a proven 99% success record, we are ready to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Contact Pat Maloney, Accident & Injury Attorney today to schedule a free initial consultation; call our offices to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can your San Antonio distracted driving accident law firm help?
- What are Texas’ distracted driving laws?
- What are common driving distractions?
- What are common injuries from distracted driving accidents?
- How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim in San Antonio?
- Do you have a distracted driving accident attorney near me?
How can your San Antonio distracted driving accident law firm help?
At Pat Maloney, Accident & Injury Attorney, our San Antonio car accident lawyer knows how to properly investigate accident claims and evaluate all available evidence—such as cell phone records, eyewitness accounts, nearby security footage, etc.—to determine whether another driver was behaving negligently. Our San Antonio distracted driving accident attorney often works alongside accident reconstruction experts, professional investigators, and other specialists to build clear, comprehensive cases on behalf of our clients. This, coupled with our aggressive approach to negotiation and litigation, has helped us successfully secure millions of dollars for our clients.
What are Texas’ distracted driving laws?
Like most states, Texas has implemented laws aimed at reducing the number of distracted drivers on the road.
Below is a brief overview of Texas’s distracted driving laws:
- It is unlawful to send or receive texts or other electronic messages while driving
- Motorists under the age of 18 are not permitted to use a handheld device while driving
- Motorists with learner’s permits are not allowed to use a handheld or hands-free cell phone or electronic communications device during their first six months of driving
- No motorist of any age may use a handheld device in a school zone
- School bus drivers are prohibited from using handheld or hands-free devices when children are present
It is important to note that, while these laws focus primarily on cell phone use while driving, this is not the only type of driving distraction. In fact, aside from using a cell phone or texting while driving, many things can divert a motorist’s attention from the road ahead.
What are common driving distractions?
A driving distraction is anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, and/or mind off the task of driving. While driving distractions are categorized in these three main ways, most involve multiple types. This is what makes using a cell phone while driving so dangerous—the driver’s eyes are off the road, their hands are off the wheel, and their mind is focused on what they are reading or sending, not on driving.
Some common driving distractions include:
- Texting
- Using a GPS device
- Grooming
- Smoking
- Talking to a passenger
- Attending to a child or pet in the backseat
- Using or reaching for a device/item
- Changing the music/radio station
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting climate controls
- Daydreaming
- Looking at billboards, accidents, and other things along the roadway
It is often very difficult to prove that another motorist was distracted and that this is what led to the crash. However, this is a critical element of your car accident claim.
What are common injuries from distracted driving accidents?
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and it can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash: This is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward, causing the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion. Whiplash can be painful and may take weeks or even months to fully heal.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by a blow to the head or by the head being violently shaken. TBIs can range from moderate (concussions) to severe (brain contusions or hemorrhages) and can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical functioning.
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury can occur when the spinal cord is damaged or severed, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation below the level of the injury. Spinal cord injuries can be life-changing and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: A distracted driving accident can result in broken bones, such as fractured ribs, arms, or legs. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or a cast to heal properly.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are common in car accidents. These injuries can be painful and may take several weeks to heal.
It's important to remember that any injury sustained in a distracted driving accident can be serious and may require medical attention. It's also important to always practice safe driving habits and avoid distractions while driving to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.
How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim in San Antonio?
If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, our team can help you fight for justice. We understand the significant challenges you face, as well as your need for full, fair compensation. Our attorney is prepared to represent you and advocate for the maximum recovery you are owed for your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and other damages.
We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible, as your time to file a car accident claim in Texas is limited to two years from the date of the accident (with few exceptions). Our San Antonio distracted driving accident lawyer is ready to sit down with you, listen to your story, and share how we can help you get back on your feet.
Do you have a distracted driving accident attorney near me?
Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio. There’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Skilled San Antonio distracted driving attorney working for you
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by distracted driving, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced San Antonio attorney who can help you fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To request a free initial consultation, call our offices or submit our contact form today.
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