Are you still reeling from a recent motor vehicle collision in Texas? It can be challenging to piece together what happened in those moments before impact. What’s more, it may seem you’re getting conflicting stories from the other party involved. If you’re looking for answers in the aftermath of a crash, call the Patterson Law Group for a free case evaluation with a distracted driving accident attorney.
Arlington Distracted Driving Accident Statistics
All too often in Texas, a moment of distraction turns into a tragedy:
- A 20-year-old woman reaches for a water bottle—and careens into two men changing a flat tire.
- A teenager was killed backing out of her driveway when a man reaching for his interlock device drove into her Toyota Camry.
These stories are a snapshot of a much larger problem in Texas. According to TxDOT, distracted driving was responsible for 2,934 serious injuries and 431 deaths in 2021—up 17 percent from 2020. In 2022, distracted driving fatalities increased 11 percent to 484 people. In fact, nearly one in six crashes on Texas roadways were caused by distracted drivers.
Texas Distracted Driving Laws
Distracted driving is dangerous—and, in Texas, it’s also a crime. Since September 1, 2017, drivers in Texas who read, write or send text messages while operating a motor vehicle can face fines of up to $200. Repeat offenses could be punishable by up to a year in county jail.
There are several exceptions to the rule. Drivers may use wireless voice-activated devices to make emergency calls to a hospital, fire department, health care provider, or police department. Drivers may also use their hands to activate a function on their GPS or music-playing device.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents in Arlington, TX
Texans are killed each year simply because someone was distracted by:
-
- Phone calls, messages, or media
- Radio and navigation system
- Shifting cargo
- Interlock devices
- Eating, drinking, or smoking
- Pets, children, passengers
“When your focus isn’t on driving, you’re putting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk,” explains TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.
Proving Negligence in an Arlington Distracted Driving Case
In a distracted driving case, lawyers seek to prove negligence by demonstrating that the driver failed to uphold their duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. Our team will look to present evidence showing that the driver was engaged in a distracting activity, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems, at the time of the accident.
This evidence could also be gathered from the following:
- Phone records
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Police reports containing notes on physical evidence recovered at the scene
- Black box recorders and driving logs (if the accident involved a trucker)
- Surveillance footage from dashboard cams, traffic lights, or nearby businesses
By establishing a causal link between the driver’s distracted behavior and the accident, we can demonstrate that the driver’s actions directly contributed to the collision, breaching the standard of care expected of a reasonable driver. This breach of duty could form the basis for a negligence claim, allowing you to seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Filing Deadline for a Distracted Driver Accident Lawsuit in Arlington, TX
It’s important to contact a distracted driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. The State of Texas allows you to seek financial compensation up to two years after a crash occurs. Once this statute of limitations passes, you can no longer seek damages. Our lawyers can also help you collect medical evidence and take the right steps to maximize a potential claim.
Contact Us at Patterson Law Group for a Free Consultation
Reach out to a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today. At Patterson Law Group, we work hard to secure the compensation you need to heal. We know how stressful it is when medical expenses and other bills pile up, and you’re unable to work to support your family because of your injuries. Contact us today to request your free case evaluation. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront legal fees.
