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Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the roadways today. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nine people are killed and more than 1,000 are injured in accidents caused by distracted drivers every day in the United States.
At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC, we represent people who have been injured by distracted drivers. Our experienced car accident team is committed to holding distracted drivers accountable and pursuing full compensation for your injuries.
Anything that causes a driver to focus on something other than the task of driving is considered “distracted driving.”
According to the CDC, there are three types of distracted driving:
Most driving distractions involve more than one type of distraction. For example, texting while driving is a particularly dangerous type of driver distraction, as it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distractions. Texting while driving takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and attention away from the task of driving. Even glancing down at a cellphone for as little as five seconds—the average amount of time it takes to read a text message—can lead to devastating collisions, catastrophic injuries, and deaths.
Texting and talking on a cell phone are not the only forms of driver distraction.
Many drivers today are distracted by:
These and other driving distractions can be just as dangerous as texting or using a cellphone while driving. In fact, all types of distracted driving are extremely dangerous and may have catastrophic consequences.
Distracted driving crashes can cause injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and the occupants of any vehicle involved. Some injuries are minor and heal with minimal medical intervention. Others are severe and can result in permanent disability.
The most common injuries in distracted driving accidents include:
Deadly crashes can occur if a driver becomes distracted while engaging in other dangerous behaviors. Speeding increases the risk of fatal injuries and death in motor vehicle accidents. There isn’t enough time for the motorist to slow down, stop, or swerve if they’re exceeding the speed limit and looking down at their cell phone.
If you were involved in an accident with a distracted driver who was violating the law, such as texting while driving, it makes it easier to recover compensation. Even if the distracted driver who caused your accident was not breaking a traffic law, you may be able to recover compensation based on negligence.
To do so, you must prove that the distracted driver was acting below the standard of care that a reasonable driver would have shown. In other words, you must prove that the driver was acting negligently or wrongfully, and this is what led to your injuries and resulting damages.
Texas is a fault car accident state. That means the driver at fault for a crash becomes financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and resulting losses. If you were injured in the crash, you could file a claim with the distracted driver’s auto insurance carrier. Everyone who owns or operates a motor vehicle in Texas must carry liability insurance.
The settlement you receive in a claim could compensate for your past and future losses, such as:
If you are a surviving spouse, child, or parent of someone who died in a distracted driving accident, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The compensation you receive could cover the losses suffered by you and your family, such as:
It’s important to note that Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. A jury could reduce your monetary losses if your actions contributed to your injuries.
Modified comparative negligence diminishes the plaintiff’s compensation by their percentage of fault. For example, if you suffered $40,000 in losses, but the jury determines you were 25% to blame for the accident, you would receive no more than $30,000. Additionally, the statute prohibits a financial recovery if the plaintiff is more than 50% at fault. So, if you are found to be more at fault than the other party/parties involved, you cannot file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reported that, in 2016, there were 109,658 traffic crashes involving distracted driving statewide, causing 455 deaths and 3,087 serious injuries. Effective September 1, 2017, a new law passed by the 85th Texas Legislative Session banned texting while driving to help combat these alarming statistics. Specifically, the law prohibits motorists from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving.
Texting while driving carries criminal penalties in Texas. A first offense comes with a fine of up to $99; subsequent offenses carry fines of up to $200. Cellphone use, including hands-free, was already banned under the law for drivers under the age of 18.
In addition to criminal penalties, someone found guilty of texting while driving may face civil consequences if they cause an accident that results in injury or death. Texting while driving is a form of negligence, and anyone found to have caused harm to another person as a result of such negligence can be held accountable for the victims’ resulting damages.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, our Houston car accident attorney can request a copy of the distracted driver’s cell phone records. These records can be used to show whether the driver has sent or received any electronic messages while driving, including the time preceding, during, and following the crash. We can also examine police records for evidence of a handheld device in the vehicle and gather testimony from eyewitnesses.
Attorney Willie D. Powells III dedicates the necessary time and effort to every case. He truly cares about accident victims and treats them with the respect and compassion they deserve. Our legal team will treat you as a priority from the second you step into our offices. You will receive quality customer service, dependable representation, and legal guidance from start to finish of the process.
You should not be forced to pay out of pocket for the expenses you incurred if you weren’t partially responsible for the accident. We will advocate for your rights and fight by your side for the maximum possible compensation. Our goal is to try to reach your desired outcome.
If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a distracted driver, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC.
We’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
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