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Lewisville Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Protect Yourself Against Dangerous Drivers

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused the deaths of 3,477 people and injured 391,000 others in 2015 alone. It accounted for 10% of all fatal crashes, and the number is expected to rise. Because of the increasing prevalence of mobile technology, devices, and other gadgets, it’s important to consider the dangers of distracted driving as seriously as we do drunk or drowsy driving. If you have been hurt in an accident with a distracted driver in Texas, Steele Law, P.C., is here for you at (214) 333-9393. Call a Lewisville car accident lawyer for a free consultation, and we will work to make you whole.

Distracted Driving Defined

Distracted driving is any behavior that distracts a driver from maneuvering his or her vehicle safely – that is fairly self-explanatory. The umbrella of distracted driving, however, encompasses more types of behavior than you think. Distracted driving can include anything from texting or talking on the phone to eating, drinking, or just changing the radio station.

If you get into an auto accident with a driver who was distracted, causing him or her to make a driving error, that person would most likely be liable for damages that you or your vehicle suffered. Examples: a teen who looks down at his phone to text and runs a stop sign, crashing into you; or a busy professional attempting to eat breakfast while on a conference call who changes lanes without looking, sideswiping your car. You would have a legal case, but you would need to prove negligence. That’s not always easy, as most people won’t admit to using cell phones and causing a crash. Oftentimes, a lawyer has to go so far as to subpoena phone records to establish that the person was indeed driving distracted at the time of the accident.

Prevent a Distracted Driving Accident

While most people are bound to participate in some minor distracted driving during their daily routines, there are tactics you can employ to improve your safety. These strategies will help you avoid causing an accident:

Wait until you are at a stoplight to sip your coffee or adjust the volume on the radio.
Eliminate some behaviors entirely, like texting and driving.

However, what about the occasions when it is not your fault? No one can control every driver he or she encounters on the road, and that’s why it is important to practice defensive driving. In addition to avoiding distracted driving, you should:

Always wear your seat belt.
Do not tailgate.
Use your turn signal.
Look beyond the car in front of you to see traffic or road conditions ahead.

These actions give other drivers as much time as possible to be aware of your intentions, and protect you in case an accident still occurs.

Texas Distracted Driving Laws

On September 1, 2017, a new law went into effect banning texting while driving in the state of Texas. In addition, at least 45 Texas cities have enacted some version of a hands-free law, where only hands-free devices for talking on the phone are legal. There are additional Texas laws in place for novice drivers, school bus drivers, and drivers in a school zone. Click here to see a list of which Texas cities have enacted these ordinances.

After an Accident with a Distracted Driver, Call Us

In the event that you are involved in an auto accident with a distracted driver, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Texas car accident lawyer will be able to sift through the details of the case, and work on your behalf to get coverage for your medical bills and expenses. If a driver was distracted and hit your vehicle, you should not have to pay out of your own pocket. Contact Steele Law, P.C. online or at (214) 333-9393 for a free consultation.

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