Dallas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Distracted Driving in Dallas, TX

Nearly one in six crashes on Texas roads are caused by distracted drivers. Distracted driving can manifest in many ways, all of which pose significant risks on the road. Some of the most common distracted driving behaviors in Dallas include:

Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. Since September 2017, reading, writing, or sending a text while driving in Texas has been illegal. When drivers text, they are visually, manually, and cognitively distracted, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident. The few seconds it takes to text can have catastrophic consequences, as the driver’s attention is entirely removed from the road. 

Using a Phone

Whether making a call, using GPS, or browsing social media, using a phone while driving is a major distraction. Even hands-free devices can divert a driver’s attention, reducing their ability to react to sudden changes on the road. This lack of focus can easily lead to severe accidents.

Eating or Drinking

Eating or drinking while driving may seem harmless, but it can be just as dangerous as other distractions. When drivers eat, they often take one or both hands off the wheel, and their attention is divided between the road and their meal. This increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and causing an accident.

Adjusting Controls

Adjusting the radio, climate control, or other in-car systems can divert a driver’s attention long enough to cause an accident. Even brief moments of inattention can lead to severe collisions, particularly in busy traffic conditions like those in Dallas.

Other Distractions

Daydreaming, emotional stress, or arguing with passengers can be just as dangerous as physical distractions while driving. If your mind isn’t focused, you’re less likely to notice hazards or react quickly. Pull over, take a break, and don’t drive if you’re overwhelmed.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate victims for the tangible, out-of-pocket losses they incur due to a distracted driving accident. These include medical expenses, rehab costs, lost wages, and property damage. Economic damages are crucial in helping victims recover the financial costs associated with their injuries and losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate victims for their intangible losses from distracted driving accidents. These damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. While non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify, non-economic damages are essential in fully compensating victims for their experiences.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case but are reserved for situations where the distracted driver’s behavior was particularly egregious. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the driver and deter future distracted driving actions.

The total compensation you may receive after a distracted driving accident will depend on the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the degree of the other driver’s distraction.

Time Limits & Comparative Fault for Distracted Driving

It’s essential to act quickly after an accident involving distracted driving. Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning you must file your claim within this period to retain your right to compensation.

Additionally, Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you could be barred from recovering any damages.