Distracted driving in Texas occurs more often than you might think. The Lone Star State has some of the highest rates of distracted driving in the country. In fact, a new study ranked Texas as the ninth-worst state for distracted driving.
This study ranked states based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to their data, 758 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents in Texas between 2017 and 2018. Even more motorists suffered serious injuries in distracted driving crashes. When drivers take their eyes, hands or minds off of driving, disastrous accidents can occur.
If you suffered an injury in an accident with a distracted driver, it is important to understand that you are not alone. However, insurance companies do not always offer fair settlements after a distracted driving accident. It is often difficult to prove distracted driving without the help of an experienced Texas car accident lawyer. At David K. Wilson & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we can help you protect your rights when a distracted driver injures you.
Lawmakers Aim to Curb Distracted Driving in Texas
According to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), distracted driving causes one in five crashes in Texas. To help protect everyone on Texas roads, lawmakers banned texting while driving in 2017. The law strictly prohibits reading, writing or sending electronic messages while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
If you break this law, you must pay a fine between $99 and $200. The amount you pay depends largely on the number of offenses. This new law sent a very clear message that distracted driving is not tolerated on Texas roads.
Before this distracted driving law, Texas banned the use of all cell phones for drivers under the age of 18. This included hands-free devices, except in the case of emergencies. There is no current cell phone restriction for adult drivers. However, some lawmakers are actively trying to get a “hands-free” law passed in the state.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyer
At David K. Wilson & Associates, our Sherman car accident lawyer understands the complexity of distracted driving accidents. We also know that insurance companies will look for any reason to get out of paying injury victims what they need and deserve. We know how to go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies and win.
Our firm is dedicated to protecting the injured after serious Texas car accidents.