Need a Texting & Driving Accident Attorney in Houston?
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become integral to our daily lives. From staying connected with friends to managing work emails and social media, they keep us in touch. However, these devices become serious road hazards when used behind the wheel. Texting while driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Houston, Texas, and across the United States.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an accident caused by a distracted driver texting behind the wheel, you need an experienced legal team to help you in the aftermath. Hollingsworth Law Firm offers skilled legal assistance to victims of texting and driving accidents. Our Houston texting & driving accident attorneys are handling complex personal injury cases and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. When a driver is texting, they are taking their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their mind off the task. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving increases the likelihood of a crash by 23 times compared to driving without distractions.
Texting causes drivers to lose focus, impairing their reaction time and making it difficult to respond to sudden changes in traffic, road conditions, or pedestrians. It dramatically increases the risk of rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, and other crashes.
Texting While Driving Accident Statistics and Legal Landscape in Houston, TX
Houston is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas for distracted driving. Approximately 25% of all traffic accidents involve mobile device use. Harris County records around 12,000 texting-related accidents annually, which results in nearly 70 fatalities and over 2,800 serious injuries. During peak commuting hours, these accidents occur on major highways like I-10, I-45, and the Sam Houston Tollway.
Since Texas implemented its statewide texting ban in 2017, enforcement has been modest, with around 4,500 citations issued each year. Penalties for texting while driving range from a $25 to $99 fine for first-time violations. The consequences are more severe if texting leads to an accident that causes serious injury or death, potentially resulting in misdemeanor charges.
Regarding civil cases, texting evidence can be key in establishing negligence. Cell phone records showing text activity timestamps can demonstrate that a driver was distracted just before the accident occurred. Texas’ modified comparative negligence system allows victims to recover damages if they are less than 51% responsible for the accident.
The legal landscape is evolving as courts increasingly recognize the dangers of texting while driving. In recent Harris County cases, juries have shown a willingness to award significant damages, including punitive damages, in cases where the driver’s actions were grossly negligent.
Common Causes of Texting and Driving Accidents in Houston, TX
Texting while driving can lead to a variety of accidents, including:
Rear-End Collisions: Drivers texting may fail to notice that the car ahead of them has stopped, leading to rear-end accidents. These collisions often result in severe injuries to the occupants of the vehicle being hit.
Side-Swipe Accidents: Texting drivers may drift out of their lane, causing side-swipe accidents with other vehicles. These incidents often occur when the driver is not paying attention to lane markers or surrounding traffic.
Head-On Collisions: In the most tragic cases, a texting driver may veer into oncoming traffic, causing head-on collisions. These accidents are often life-threatening and require extensive medical treatment.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: Drivers distracted by texting may fail to notice pedestrians or cyclists, leading to devastating road accidents involving walkers or bikers.
If you’ve been involved in any of these types of accidents or others caused by a driver texting while driving, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and emotional distress. A skilled texting & driving accident lawyer in Houston can help you with the legal process.
Common Injuries in Texting & Driving Accidents
Texting and driving accidents often result in severe injuries. Some common injuries include:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Rear-end collisions frequently cause whiplash, which can lead to chronic pain and long-term neck issues.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head can cause concussions or other traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to permanent cognitive disabilities.
Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact from a texting-related crash can cause broken limbs, ribs, or other bones.
Internal Injuries: High-impact crashes may result in internal injuries, including damage to vital organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys.
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. In some cases, they can lead to permanent disabilities that significantly affect your quality of life. A texting & driving accident attorney in Houston can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
If you have been injured in a texting while driving accident in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and the income you will lose in the future.
Pain and Suffering: Texting while driving accidents can lead to long-lasting physical and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver’s actions are particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Steps to Take After a Texting and Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a texting and driving accident, it’s essential to take the following steps:
Call the Police: Always report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention to ensure any injuries are correctly diagnosed and treated.
Gather Evidence: If it’s safe, collect evidence at the accident scene, including photos of vehicle damage and visible injuries.
Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the accident at the scene. Let your lawyer handle the legal aspects of the case.
Contact a Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer in Houston: Contact an experienced Houston texting & driving accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and begin the legal process.
Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm?
If you’ve been injured in a texting while driving accident, Hollingsworth Law Firm is here to help. Our team of dedicated texting & driving accident lawyers in Houston is committed to fighting for your rights. We’ll work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm: Your Houston Texting & Driving Accident Lawyers
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that texting while driving accidents can take on victims and their families. Our team of experienced texting & driving accident lawyers in Houston will help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact us today at (713) 637-4560 to schedule a free consultation with a Houston texting & driving accident attorney. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
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