A major downfall of constant accessibility is the prevalence of texting while driving, which is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the country. Texas made texting while operating a motor vehicle illegal (Texas Transportation Code § 545.4521) to reduce crashes caused by distracted driving.
If you are the victim of texting while driving car accidents in Missouri City, you deserve compensation for any injuries and loss of quality of life you have suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence. Filing a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations in Texas is your right, and the seasoned car accident attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris can help you hold the responsible driver accountable.
What are the Specifics of the Texting While Driving Law?
In order to reduce distractions while driving and keep texting while driving car wrecks in Missouri City to a minimum, the Texas legislature enacted a statewide ban (Tex. Trans. Code § 545.4521) on certain aspects of using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. The main aspects of this law are:
- Drivers cannot use their mobile device to send or receive texts while driving
- If a driver is under the age of 18, they cannot use their cell phone for any form of communication, including making or receiving phone calls while driving
- Any handheld device usage is strictly prohibited within a school zone
- Any public transportation driver is barred from using their mobile device while transporting passengers
There are limited exceptions to the texting while driving law, including utilizing your phone while driving in emergency situations, making calls or sending texts with your device’s Bluetooth capabilities, and using your phone’s GPS or music systems as long as you do not physically handle your device. If you were injured in a car accident where any of the above factored into the cause, you should work with a Missouri City attorney who handles texting while driving cases.
What Damages are Recoverable in a Texting While Driving Case?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, texting while driving is one of the most dangerous causes of accidents because it involves all three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. If drivers are busy texting and not paying attention, even just five seconds of taking their eyes off the road and other drivers can have catastrophic consequences, and can cause devastating injuries or even death.
Both economic and non-economic damages can be recovered in Missouri City texting while driving car accidents. Damages are meant to compensate you for actual losses, but are also intended to help make you “whole” again, or as close to it as possible. Potential compensation can include:
- Medical bills and any out-of-pocket expenses during the healing process, as well as future medical costs
- Lost wages from being unable to work and future earning capacity
- The loss of your car, cell phone, and any other personal belongings destroyed or damaged in the accident
- Pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and loss of affection
- Disability or disfigurement
Learn About Your Rights After Missouri City Texting While Driving Crashes
Working to regain control of your life after texting while driving car accidents in Missouri City can be intimidating, painful, and fraught with challenges. Having a dedicated, compassionate legal guide by your side to navigate your case could be the key to regaining a sense of normalcy and obtaining the compensation that you deserve.
Sitting down with the successful injury attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris can ensure that you have answers to your legal questions as well as trustworthy advocates who will fight for you. Reach out and schedule a no-pressure consultation with a compassionate law firm who has your best interest in mind.
