Distracted Driving Accidents

Dallas/Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney

Have you been involved in an auto accident that was caused by a distracted driver? You should consult a Fort Worth distracted driving accident lawyer. Attorney Bill Berenson is a car accident lawyer who has close to 40 years of experience protecting the rights of injured Texans. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that attests to knowledge and skills in this complex practice area. Mr. Berenson has the know how to skillfully and successfully help you navigate the legal system in seeking damages for your injuries.

Distracted Drivers in the Fort Worth Area

When the State of Texas issues a driver’s license to an individual, that person implicitly agrees to operate his vehicle in a responsible and conscientious manner to ensure the safety of other people who use the road. However, with the ubiquitous presence of smartphones, distracted driving has become more common in recent years. When a driver takes his attention away from the road, the chance of a serious accident increases dramatically.

Many things can distract a driver and cause an accident. For instance, each of the following activities, if performed while driving a car, can distract a driver from what is going on around him:

• Texting
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to a passenger
• Changing the music
• Smoking
• Reading or writing
• Entering a destination on a GPS system
• Shaving, applying make-up, or other grooming
• Talking on the phone
• Paying attention to a child in the back seat

By taking his attention away from the road, a driver violates his duty to drive carefully. If he causes an accident while distracted, the innocent victim whom he hit has a right to seek compensation for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. The assistance of a distracted driving accident lawyer in Fort Worth may be critical in this situation.

Texting While Driving

Of all the distractions, texting while driving is one of the most common and dangerous. By choosing to take his attention and eyes away from the road, a driver creates an especially hazardous situation.

The Texas Legislature recognized this fact, and banned texting while driving as of September 2017. Under this traffic law, drivers cannot

• Read or write text messages
• Read or write emails
• Use Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram or other apps
• Post to or search Facebook or other social media
• Engage in any other written electronic communication

Using a Cell Phone While Driving

Texas drivers are not permitted to talk on a handheld phone. However, Texas law does not expressly prohibit drivers from talking on a hands-free phone, except:

• School zones: No cell phone use of any kind is permitted in Texas school zones.
• Minor drivers: Texas minors are not permitted to use cell phones at all until they are 18 and also for the first six months after they get their learner’s permits.
• Commercial bus drivers: Bus drivers are not permitted to use cell phones at all while driving while in Texas.

Each of these infractions is a “primary offense,” meaning that a police officer can pull over and cite a driver for texting, even if he has committed no other traffic offense at the time. Some Texas cities, such as Arlington and Denton, have passed stricter ordinances. Unfortunately, Dallas and Fort Worth have not.

Violating the traffic code is negligence per se, which shifts the ball into your court. Nonetheless, the driver is liable for negligent conduct, regardless of its legality.

Have You Been Involved in an Accident in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area?

If you have been involved in a car accident in the Dallas Fort Worth area, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney immediately. If the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Speak with an experienced Fort Worth distracted driving accident attorney today to find out what rights you have.

Attorney Bill Berenson is an experienced personal injury attorney who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Along with his caring staff, Mr. Berenson will do everything to help you get a fair jury verdict or settlement offer for your distracted driving accident claim. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Berenson online, or call us at 817-855-8000 or toll-free at 1-888-801-8585 today to set up your no-cost consultation with a good accident attorney in Fort Worth.

Cell Phone Use Causing Car Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents