It is illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving in Texas. Yet, texting while driving car accidents in Galveston are still incredibly common. Texting only takes a few seconds, but it diverts a driver’s mind, hands, and eyes from the road. The five seconds a driver spends reading a text while traveling at 55 miles per hour allows them to cross the length of a football field without their eyes on the road. That is more than enough space to cause a serious accident resulting in severe injuries.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a texting driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, getting proof that the other driver was texting is rarely easy. Understanding the laws that prohibit texting in specific situations may be crucial to your case. However, working with an experienced car accident lawyer is the most effective way to get fair compensation for injuries sustained in a texting and driving accident.
What Are the Laws On Texting and Driving in Galveston?
Texas cellphone laws prohibit texting while driving or even while stopped at a red light. In some situations, these laws ban the use of cellphones entirely. All Galveston drivers should be familiar with the following cellphone laws:
- Motorists cannot send or receive any electronic messages while driving in Texas
- New drivers are prohibited from all phone use while driving during the first six months of obtaining a learner’s permit
- Drivers may not use any handheld device while in a school zone
- Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use handheld devices
- School bus drivers cannot use cellphones at all while children are present
- Additional cell phone laws might apply to specific cities
An experienced Galveston attorney will conduct an investigation to identify any cellphone laws the at-fault driver failed to obey. The evidence will be presented to establish the driver’s negligence.
Types of Compensation for Victims in Texting and Driving Cases
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. It completely takes a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the likelihood of a wreck. Since every car accident is different, compensation awarded to victims depends on the circumstances of the accident. Compensation awarded to victims of texting while driving accidents may include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed work during recovery
- Property damage valued at the cost to repair or replace a damaged vehicle
- Non-economic damages, including physical pain and psychological trauma
- Diminished earning capacity for victims unable to perform the same duties as before the accident
Contacting an attorney is the best way for a victim to learn about the types of compensation they may be entitled to.
Contact a Galveston Attorney to Learn More About Your Rights After a Texting While Driving Accident
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Without the right resources, it can also be one of the most difficult to prove. Texting while driving car accidents in Galveston are surprisingly common and can cause serious injuries and even result in fatalities. If you have been injured in a texting and driving accident, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Schechter Shaffer & Harris can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
