Getting behind the wheel involves trusting other drivers to pay attention and drive safely. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. In Texas, thousands of car crashes happen because a driver wasn't paying attention. To better protect yourself and others on the road, it’s vital to ensure you understand key distracted driving facts.
Common Types of Distracted Driving Behaviors
Many people assume that distracted driving refers to just texting, but this is not completely accurate. Distractions generally come in three main types:
- Visual distractions, which happen when you take your eyes off the road
- Manual distractions, which refer to taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive distractions, which occur when you take your mind off driving
These distractions can happen during seemingly harmless, daily actions.
Some examples of everyday distractions include:
- Using smartphones for texting, social media, or email
- Adjusting vehicle controls like the radio, GPS, or AC
- Eating or drinking
- Grooming, applying makeup, or fixing hair
- Talking with passengers
- Reaching for objects
- Looking at things outside your car
While these actions can seem minor, the consequences that come with them can be catastrophic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that reading or sending a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, and at 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Texas Distracted Driving Accident Numbers You Should Know
There are also statistical distracted driving facts to consider. The Texas Department of Transportation reports the following:
- In 2024, nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads resulted from a distracted driver
- These crashes led to 373 deaths and 2,587 serious injuries
- Driver inattention is the leading cause of fatal distracted driving crashes in the state
- A distracted driving crash happens in Texas about every 30 minutes
The severity of these numbers serves as a stark reminder of the need for immediate action.
Why Drivers Can't Stop Looking at Their Phones
Many drivers still get distracted while driving, even knowing the dangers. This is because phones and car touchscreens make it too easy to lose focus, and drivers may think they can multitask while driving. The need to check notifications can feel urgent, and some drivers don't realize how harmful even a quick glance can be.
Research shows that reaction times while texting are similar to those of drunk drivers. Even hands-free phone conversations reduce brain activity associated with driving by 37%, and despite what many think, voice-to-text programs and hands-free devices still affect your ability to drive safely.
Texas Laws About Distracted Driving
Texas has had laws to stop distracted driving in place since September 1, 2017, and here are a few of the stipulations:
- Texting while driving is banned statewide
- Violators can face fines of up to $200
- Drivers under 18 cannot use any handheld devices
- All drivers are banned from using handheld phones in school zones
Still, unless the police see a driver using their phone, proving distraction can be tough. A distracted driving attorney can help you find evidence to support your claim, as well as seek compensation for your medical bills, lost pay, and other costs.
Possible Injuries From a Distracted Driving Accident
Crashes caused by distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, even if the driver was going at lower speeds. A few common injuries include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Broken bones
- Internal damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Emotional trauma
Even if you feel okay right after a crash, some injuries don’t show until days later, so you should always see a doctor and talk to a lawyer to protect your rights in the meantime.
How Lawyers Help After a Distracted Driving Crash
After a crash, you can be left dealing with pain, car repairs, missed work, and insurance calls. Instead of facing it alone, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you:
- Find out exactly what caused the crash
- Collect important evidence before it disappears
- Deal with insurance companies for you
- File a lawsuit if needed
A Texas car accident attorney has a keen grasp of distracted driving facts and knows exactly where to start in building a compelling case.
FAQ
What Will Happen to My Insurance Rates After Filing a Claim?
If the accident wasn't your fault, your rates shouldn't go up when you file a claim against the distracted driver's insurance. However, if you make a claim on your own insurance first, such as for medical payments, some companies might raise your rates even if you weren't at fault.
How Quickly Should I File a Claim?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident claim in Texas. Missing this deadline means you likely lose your right to sue for damages. Therefore, you don't want to wait until the last minute, as building a strong case takes time.
Can I Recover Money if I Was Partly at Fault?
Texas follows comparative negligence rules, meaning that you can still get money even if you were partly at fault. But this applies only as long as you weren't more than 50% responsible. Keep in mind that your payment may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Get Skilled Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving crashes are all too common in Texas. If you've been hurt because someone wasn't paying attention on the road, turn to the experienced team at Ramsey Law Group. We can explore your options with you and fight for the money you need to heal and move forward. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.