All kinds of distractions can take your attention away from the road in Texas, from dealing with noisy passengers to sneaking in a quick bite on your way from point A to point B. If you’re injured in a car accident because of someone else’s distracted driving, you need to know whether you have grounds to seek compensation.
That starts with understanding what constitutes distracted driving under state law and which causes tend to be more common in the Lone Star State.
Common Causes of Texas Distracted Driving Accidents
In addition to speeding, DUI, and disobeying traffic laws, distracted driving is among the most common causes of traffic collisions in Texas. The specific type of distraction responsible for accidents, injuries, and even fatalities is important because it can play a role in your ability to recover damages.
Some of the most common distractions include:
- Eating
- Driver inattention, such as by taking their eyes off the road
- Talking to passengers
- Cell phone use
- Interacting with the stereo, navigation, or entertainment system.
If a driver causes an accident because of a choice to text or apply makeup, for example, the liability is clear.
On the other hand, a driver distracted by passenger interference may not be entirely to blame. Instead, the offending passenger could potentially be held liable for any resulting damages. This is why it’s essential to understand exactly why the driver was distracted and how it led to a crash.
Distracted Driving in Texas by the Numbers
In 2017, Texas law made it illegal to read, write, or send texts while driving, and a violation now comes with a fine of up to $200. Even though the law prohibits texting while driving, distracted driving, including cell phone use, is responsible for roughly 11% of traffic fatalities across the state.
In fact, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), an estimated one in five crashes in the state involves distracted driving, resulting in over 2,500 injuries and nearly 400 fatalities in 2024 alone.
The Rising Risk of Smartphone Use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,000 fatalities each year are attributed to crashes involving distraction. Texting is among the worst national distracted driving trends, due to the amount of time drivers take their eyes off the road.
On average, a person texting while driving is distracted for five seconds at a time. In a car traveling 55 mph, this is equivalent to closing your eyes and driving almost the entire length of a football field.
The Trouble With In-Car Technologies
The growth of hands-free technology has undoubtedly helped curb distracted driving accidents, but other technologies may be going in the opposite direction.
Digital dashboards, navigation, and infotainment systems can increase convenience for drivers, thanks to sensors, connectivity, and targeted software. These systems provide information about the vehicle, surrounding traffic, road hazards, and routes to destinations.
Unfortunately, they’re also a frequent contributor to distracted driving, due to lights, sounds, and movement that can easily pull a driver’s attention away from the road.
Concerning Trends in New Driver Behavior
Over the last two decades, kids have grown up surrounded by connected devices and social media, which have become an integral part of their social structure. It should come as no surprise, then, that cell phones commonly play a role in distracted driving accidents involving teen drivers.
A recent study found that seven of ten high school students admitted to using a cell phone while driving, including glancing at their phone for two seconds or longer. Alarmingly, many study participants cited a belief that this distraction was beneficial, such as for communication or navigation.
However, a distracted driver engaging in activities like text messaging, checking social media, or activating maps is 5.5 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
What Can Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents Do?
The best course of action following one of these crashes is to seek medical attention, collect evidence at the scene if possible, and contact a skilled distracted driving attorney. These steps can help you avoid common mistakes and begin building a strong compensation case.
FAQ
Does Texas Have Hands-Free Driving Laws?
Yes. Under the Texas Transportation Code §524.424, drivers under the age of 18 may not use any wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. Further, §524.4251 states that no driver may use a wireless communication device to “read, write, or send an electronic message” while driving.
What Type of Compensation Can I Expect After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Compensation varies by case and depends on factors like fault, the type and severity of injuries, and the strength of evidence presented.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?
Your attorney will work to negotiate for a fair settlement as quickly as possible, so your case could be settled in just a few months. Cases that go to trial typically take longer to conclude.
Recovering From an Accident Involving Distracted Driving
When drivers take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road, accident risks increase. If you’re injured because another driver was distracted, an experienced distracted driving lawyer can manage your legal battle while you focus on recovery.
The compassionate team at Ramsey Law Group has helped injured clients throughout Houston successfully fight for their rights for over 25 years. Contact us now to request a free consultation and find out what we can do to protect your future.