Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes in Southlake and is behind a large number of head-on, sideswipe, T-bone, and rear-end collisions. If a distracted driver injured you, you should speak to a Southlake car accident lawyer from Aulsbrook Car & Truck Wreck Lawyers.
Injury victims can file a claim or lawsuit against the responsible driver’s insurance company to recover their medical bills, lost work income, and more. Our attorneys have extensive experience working with car accident victims and understand the rules and nuances underlying Texas insurance law.
Call us today to speak to a distracted driving accident lawyer in Southlake.
The Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Distracted Driving Accident
When you work with a Southlake personal injury lawyer, you get a dedicated advocate who can guide you through the entire injury claim process. A lawyer can gather evidence showing the distracted driver’s fault and organize medical documentation concerning your injuries. Most importantly, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf during settlement talks.
If necessary, we can escalate the case to formal litigation. Our attorneys are trial-tested and unafraid to pursue your case where it may lead. Let us handle the hard work of securing your compensation.
Common Types of Distractions on the Road
Drivers must contend with several distractions on the road but are expected to pay attention and not lose focus on driving. Even a minor lapse in attention can lead to devastating results. Below are some common causes of distracted driving accidents:
- Texting and driving
- Talking with passengers
- Eating or drinking
- Personal grooming or applying makeup
- Adjusting the radio or mirrors
- Scrolling social media
- Distractions outside the cabin
Texas’s Distracted Driving Laws
Per Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, it is illegal to “read, write, or send an electronic message” on a wireless device while driving in Texas. This prohibition extends to:
- Reading, composing, or sending text messages
- Checking emails
- Posting to social media
A first-time violation carries a fine of $25 to $99, and subsequent violations carry a fine of $100 to $200.
Drivers can use hands-free options, such as voice-to-text or a Bluetooth device, to reduce the risk of a distracted driving citation.
Southlake Distracted Driver Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Proving the Driver Was Distracted
Distracted drivers are negligent, and negligent drivers can be liable for the injuries they cause. As such, a significant part of your lawsuit will involve proving that the driver was distracted and not paying attention when they caused the accident. Evidence that can prove the driver was distracted includes the following:
- Text message and email logs
- Video recordings and surveillance footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle event data recording
- Physical evidence (e.g., skid marks)
Using the right evidence, your Southlake distracted driving accident attorney can construct a timeline of the accident events, showing how the driver’s momentary lapses in attention resulted in your injuries.
Compensation From a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, your lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit to recover your losses. Based on your circumstances, you may be able to recover money for your:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses
- Surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitative therapy
- Medical devices and mobility assistance devices
- Income and employment compensation lost due to missing work
- Diminished earning potential due to permanent disability
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Cost of replacement services, such as housekeeping
- Reductions in quality of life due to disability
Our lawyers are adept at pursuing compensation and can analyze your case from all angles. We know how to account for your long-term and abstract losses to pursue the largest settlement allowed by law.
The Time Limit for Filing a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit in Southlake
In most cases, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against a distracted driver in Texas. The two-year timer generally starts from the date you sustained your injuries. Some exceptions may apply, such as if the victim is a minor.
Two years might seem like a substantial amount of time, but even minor delays can harm your case. Delays in medical care can be used as evidence against the claimed severity of your injuries. Evidence also fades the longer you wait before collecting. A lawyer can help you meet claim deadlines and reduce the risk of payment delays or complications.
Contact a Southlake Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Even a minor accident with a distracted driver can leave you in financial distress and facing serious injuries. You deserve a lawyer who will hear your side of the story and fight for your interests. Our distracted driving accident lawyers in Southlake are dedicated to fighting for injury victims and can be counted on to do what’s necessary to secure relief.
Fill out our contact form or reach out by phone to schedule a free case consultation with The Texas Law Dog.
