Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Baytown

The aftermath of any automobile accident can be difficult. You have to deal with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical bills and other costs. Texting while driving car accidents in Baytown can also bring a sense of anger because these types of distracted driving accidents should never happen. There is no excuse for using a phone to send a message while driving.

If you believe the driver who caused your crash was texting, you have the right to do something about it. A dedicated car accident attorney could help you seek justice for what happened by helping you file a personal injury suit against the negligent driver.

Why Texting is So Dangerous for Baytown Drivers

Texting is an example of the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it simultaneously creates visual, manual, and cognitive distractions for a driver.

Visual Distraction

A visual distraction is something that causes a motorist to take their eyes off the road. When someone stops focusing on the road to read a text, they can miss seeing sudden changes in traffic patterns. If the car in front of them slows down to let a pedestrian cross the road, a texting driver would be unaware and might rear-end the car. Drivers who do not look at the road also cannot even see curves and bends in the road. While looking at a text, they might not see that they need to turn the wheel.

Manual Distraction

Drivers who take one or both hands off the steering wheel to scroll through their messages or send a reply put themselves and others on the road at risk. Without both hands, they might not be able to control the vehicle as well. If a dangerous situation arises and they suddenly need to swerve to avoid, such as when a child enters the road, a texting driver might not be able to because their hands are not on the wheel.

Cognitive Distraction

Texting also poses a cognitive distraction. When a motorist thinks about the message or composes a reply, they allow their mind to wander. They are not giving their full cognitive attention to their driving duties, which means they are not driving responsibly.

Compassionate Baytown lawyers understand the devastation that texting drivers can cause. They could work closely with a crash survivor to learn what the accident has cost them so they can pursue a fair settlement.

Legal Rules Regarding Texting in Baytown

Like most states, Texas has laws prohibiting texting from behind the wheel. Drivers are supposed to use hands-free technology to operate their cell phones when they are driving. Texting, posting to social media, or emailing while driving is strictly prohibited. Drivers who text can face $99 fines for their first offense and $200 fines for each subsequent violation. If a driver receives a citation for texting while driving, that citation can serve as evidence proving the driver’s negligence.

Even if the police have not given the driver a citation for texting, the legal team could help prove the driver was texting by performing a full investigation of the crash. They know how to follow the correct procedural protocols to obtain copies of the driver’s cell phone records and to skillfully interview witnesses to see if they observed a motorist using their phone.

Work with a Baytown Attorney Who Understands Texting While Driving Crashes

Texting while driving car accidents in Baytown should never occur. When they do, the irresponsible motorist should be held responsible for their wrongful actions. Work with a diligent local lawyer who will stay by your side and advocate for fair compensation. Let us fight on your behalf – call now for a free consult.