A sharp rise in the number of crashes caused by distracted driving has caused the Texas Department of Transportation and Dallas safety officials to launch a campaign to tell drivers not to drive and text. Why? Distracted driving caused over 90,000 collisions in Texas in 2012, resulting in 453 fatalities and 18,468 serious injuries — up a shocking 4% over the year before.
Texting while driving is a serious problem. People who do this are six times more likely to cause a wreck than those who are drinking and driving. And ever notice how many people are looking down at their phones next to you as you are driving? One question that I always ask my new clients is whether he or she suspects that the other driver was on their cell phone at the time of the crash so that I can subpoena their cell phone records.
Texas Is One Of The Only States Not To Have A Law Restricting Texting While Driving
The Texas legislature approved a law in 2011 that would have made it illegal to text and drive anywhere in the state. But Governor Rick Perry vetoed it, claiming that it should be a matter of personal responsibility and that other laws covered the issue. Currently, the only blanket ban on cell phone use while driving applies to teenage drivers 18 years or younger. Other bans are targeted at school bus drivers while children are present or any driver in a school zone. About 30 cities, including Arlington, Austin and San Antonio, have instituted their own bans on texting while driving.
Texas is one of only seven states that permit this dangerous practice. Despite a few local laws and anti-texting campaigns like this one, clearly our officials must do a lot more to curtail the vast number of distracted driving collisions.
Your Legal Options If You Were Injured Due To A Texting Or Distracted Driver
If you were the victim of a crash where the other driver was texting or using his or her phone, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You should hire an aggressive personal injury attorney to file a claim and/or a lawsuit against the distracted driver.
Tenacious Tarrant County Legal Professionals Representing Victims of Collisions
We have been representing Texans injured in accidents for 34 years. I am a Fort Worth attorney who will fight for your rights and take your case as far as it needs to go, whether to the courtroom or negotiation table. I specialize in personal injury cases. I do not also handle divorces, defend criminals, and write wills. And I only represent people who have been injured by accidents involving cars, trucks, 18 wheelers, bicycles and motorcycles — often hit by drivers who are DWI. If you want an experienced Board Certified Fort Worth personal injury attorney who will provide you with compassionate legal representation, contact my office today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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