San Antonio Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Texting & 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 2019, there were 97,782 distracted driving-related crashes in the state. Bexar County was home to 23,552 of those accidents, 44 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 attorneys at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, P.C. right away. With more than 65 years of experience and a proven 99% success record, we are ready to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Contact the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, P.C. today to schedule a free initial consultation; call (210) 226-8888 to get started.

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.

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
• Eating or drinking
• 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
• 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.

At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, P.C., we know 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 attorneys often work alongside accident reconstructionists, expert 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.

Fighting to Maximize Your Recovery

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 attorneys are 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 lawyers are ready to sit down with you, listen to your story, and share how we can help you get back on your feet.

To request a free initial consultation, call (210) 226-8888 or submit an online contact form today.