Conroe Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted Driving Accident Claims in Texas

All drivers have a responsibility to take reasonable actions to avoid accidents and keep others on the road safe. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers fail to uphold this standard of care. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents—and it is a clear example of negligence. If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, including someone who was texting while driving, you could be entitled to financial compensation.

Scott Law Firm offers aggressive legal representation for injured individuals throughout Montgomery County and all of Texas. Our Conroe distracted driving accident lawyers have extensive experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims, as well as a proven record of success in even the most complex and difficult-to-prove claims. We encourage you to reach out to our team right away to learn how we can help you during a completely free, zero-obligation consultation.

Call (936) 243-4299 or contact us online today to get started. Hablamos español. 

Texas Distracted Driving Statistics

Operating a motor vehicle—whether it’s a standard passenger car, a motorcycle, or a commercial truck—is a serious responsibility, requiring one’s full attention and focus. Unfortunately, countless people divide their attention while driving instead of giving their full focus to the task at hand. This can (and frequently does) result in catastrophic accidents.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2020, there were: 

• 3,896 traffic-related fatalities in Texas (up by 7.54% from the 3,623 deaths in 2019)
• 12,107 serious injury accidents (resulting in 14,656 people being injured)
• 368 fatalities related to distracted driving
• 2,203 suspected serious injuries related to distracted driving
• 10,439 non-incapacitating injuries resulting from distracted driving
• 80,451 traffic crashes related to distracted driving

Additionally, Montgomery County alone saw 1,451 distracted driving-related crashes in 2020, resulting in 2 fatalities, 25 suspected serious injuries, and another 193 non-incapacitating injuries.

These alarming statistics prove that distracted driving remains a serious problem in and around the Greater Houston Area, leading to hundreds of preventable deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

What Is Distracted Driving?

While there are many specific examples of distracted driving, there are three primary ways in which a person can be distracted while driving:

• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions include anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, whether for a few seconds or a prolonged period of time
• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions are those that cause the driver to remove his or her hand(s) from the steering wheel
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions are things that take the driver’s mind off the task of driving

Most driving distractions involve multiple types of distraction. For example, texting or using a cell phone to check social media while driving is so dangerous because it involves all three forms of distraction: the driver’s eyes are off the road and on the phone, his or her hands are off the wheel holding the phone and/or typing, and his or her attention is on what he or she is texting or reading, not on driving.

Examples of Distracted Driving

While texting and driving is commonly associated with distracted driving, as it is one of the leading causes of distracted driving-related crashes, it is not the only way in which a driver can be distracted behind the wheel.

Other examples of distracted driving include:

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Talking to a passenger
• Using a cell phone or similar device
• Sending or reading an email
• Checking a GPS device
• Changing the radio station
• Reaching down for an item that has fallen
• Attending to children in the backseat
• Applying makeup or grooming
• Daydreaming
• “Rubbernecking” (staring at an accident/roadside incident)
• Looking at billboards and other signs along the roadway

All forms of distracted driving are dangerous. Some, like texting and driving, are illegal in Texas. It is important for your own safety and the safety of others that you always refrain from driving while distracted.

What to Do If You Are Hit by a Distracted Driver

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, you may or may not be able to take a few key steps to protect your ability to file a personal injury claim in the future, depending mainly on the severity of your injuries and whether you need emergency medical attention.

First and foremost, call 911 if you or anyone else is severely injured. Do not move anyone who appears injured (unless they are in immediate danger where they are and it is safe to do so). Wait for paramedics and/or police to arrive. Even if you only sustain what seems like minor injuries (or do not feel injured right away), see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. You could have underlying injuries, or your injuries could worsen over time.

If possible, you should also do the following:

• File an official police report; be honest, but do NOT admit fault or downplay injuries
• Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver(s)
• Take down any witnesses’ statements and get their contact information as well
• Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries
• Notify your own insurance company of the accident
• Refrain from speaking with anyone from the other driver’s insurance company
• Contact a car accident attorney for help with your claim

It can be difficult to prove that another driver was using a cell phone or was otherwise distracted and that this is what caused the crash. However, at Scott Law Firm, our Conroe distracted driving accident lawyers know how to conduct exhaustive investigations to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. This might include obtaining the other driver’s cell phone records, reviewing nearby security camera footage, and/or speaking to witnesses.

We also work with accident reconstructionists and other experts to demonstrate how the crash happened and the full extent of your injuries. Armed with this information, we are ready to aggressively fight for the full financial compensation you are owed.

Helping You Seek Justice

At Scott Law Firm, we believe that distracted drivers should be held accountable. We understand the challenges you and your family are facing and are ready to guide you through the recovery process. Allow our team to handle the details of your case while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

Whether you have sustained catastrophic injuries or have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, Scott Law Firm is ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Our award-winning team is available to take your call 24/7, and we can travel to meet you if needed.

Schedule your free initial consultation when you call us at (936) 243-4299.