Texting & Driving Accident Houston?

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.