Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Mansfield
Texting while driving is a common occurrence that may seem harmless, especially if you are skilled at typing while keeping your eyes on the road. However, not only is texting while driving illegal in Texas, but the consequences of a resulting car accident can be catastrophic or even fatal.
A skilled car crash attorney could demand compensation on your behalf if you sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident and believe the responsible party was using their phone. Texting while driving car accidents in Mansfield can result in lifelong injuries but seeking legal advice could help ensure you are requesting all the damages you deserve.
Common Injuries from Texting While Driving Collisions
Individuals who cause vehicle collisions because they were texting are responsible for ensuing injuries. Common injuries victims sustain in car accidents associated with texting include:
- Traumatic brain damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Head and neck trauma
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
No matter how skilled a driver is, texting while driving is inherently distracting. Even the briefest distraction can result in tragic injuries to the victims harmed by these accidents. In Mansfield, these types of collisions can cause extensive damages and violate several laws regarding the use of handheld devices.
Laws Regarding the Use of Cell Phones While Driving
The Texas Transportation Code sets forth various laws concerning cell phone use while driving. According to these laws, sending or receiving electronic messages from a device while driving is strictly prohibited.
Texas has also established laws surrounding the use of handheld devices and minors or new drivers. In addition to the general ban on texting, children under 18 years old cannot use handheld devices while driving. Likewise, devices are banned for the first six months after receiving a learner’s permit.
As an additional precaution, Texas has prohibited anyone from using phones while in a school zone crossing. Similarly, school bus drivers cannot use handheld devices while children are present.
The law in Texas not only prohibits texting while driving but also certain alternative uses of handheld devices. In Mansfield, texting while driving car crashes violate these laws and can result in substantial penalties.
What are the Penalties for Texting While Driving in Mansfield?
Texting while driving is banned in Texas under Texas Transportation Code §545.4251. Not only does this section of the law ban texting, but it also sets forth the penalties for violation.
If an individual is caught texting while driving, they can be responsible for a fine of between $25 and $99 for a first offense—subsequent tickets for texting while driving can be up to $200.
These fines apply to tickets for texting while driving. Car accidents in Mansfield caused by texting drivers can implicate serious liability for subsequent damages, and death or serious bodily injury could result in a jail sentence.
Call an Attorney in Mansfield to Learn about Texting While Driving Car Accidents
Texting while driving yields distracted drivers who are more likely to be involved in a car accident. The injuries that result from these accidents can have long-term consequences that leave you with recurring financial and emotional burdens.
Contact an attorney today for more information regarding texting while driving car accidents in Mansfield. Pursuing compensation for your damages can provide you with the financial resources you need and the peace of mind to move forward.