Protect your rights after a cell phone-related accident in Texas with experienced legal guidance
In Texas, accidents caused by cell phone use have become one of the leading causes of traffic collisions. Every day, thousands of drivers check messages, make phone calls, or use navigation apps without realizing the potential consequences. These distractions cause crashes that can change a person’s life in a matter of seconds.
If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident, it is essential to understand your rights and how to enforce them. A Texas attorney experienced in handling serious injuries resulting from cell phone-related accidents can guide you through every step of the legal process. With proper legal representation, you may pursue fair compensation to cover medical expenses, financial losses, and emotional damages.
What is a Cell phone-Related Accident?
Cell phone-related accidents occur when a driver loses focus by using a mobile device while driving. This behavior interferes with visual, manual, and cognitive attention, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
There are several ways in which a cell phone can distract a driver:
- Sending or reading text messages
- Making calls without hands-free devices
- Using social media
- Operating navigation or music applications
Although it may seem like a brief action, taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can be equivalent to driving a considerable distance without seeing. For example, when traveling at 55 miles per hour, taking five seconds to read a text message is equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field without looking at the road.
Accidents involving cell phone use are a form of distracted driving that not only endangers the driver but also causes severe injuries to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Statistics on Cell phone Use While Driving in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2024, there were more than 3,000 accidents caused by cell phone use while driving. In that same year, approximately 380 people lost their lives in distraction-related accidents, including those involving mobile phone use.
These numbers demonstrate how widespread this issue is in both urban and rural areas across the state.
Texas Laws About Cell phone Use While Driving
The State of Texas has established clear regulations to reduce accidents caused by cell phone use. Since September 2017, it has been illegal to send or receive text messages while operating a motor vehicle on the road.
Key points of Texas law include:
- General prohibition. No driver may send or read text messages while driving.
- Drivers under 18. The use of any electronic device while driving is strictly prohibited.
- School zones. The use of cell phones, even with hands-free devices, is banned in school zones during class hours.
- Penalties. Fines range from $99 to $200. However, if a cell phone-related accident results in serious injury or death, the responsible driver may face criminal charges.
The purpose of these laws is to reduce preventable distractions and penalize drivers who engage in dangerous behavior by using their mobile phones while driving.
Common Injuries in Accidents Caused by Cell phone Use
Using a cell phone while driving can—and often does—cause severe injuries that permanently alter the lives of victims. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and back injuries
- Fractures and limb injuries
- Head trauma or brain injuries
- Internal injuries and damage to vital organs
- Emotional and psychological harm, such as anxiety or depression
In addition to requiring extensive medical consultations, these injuries often demand surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, and, in many cases, leave lasting consequences that significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
What Should I do if I Suffer a Serious Injury Caused by a Driver Using Their Cell phone?
If you have become the victim of this type of accident in Texas, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. We recommend following these steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health must come first, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Call the police. The official report will serve as key evidence in your case.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any signs of distraction.
- Obtain information. Collect the contact and insurance details of the responsible driver, as well as those of any witnesses.
- Do not speak with insurance companies without legal advice. They may attempt to minimize the compensation you deserve.
- Contact an experienced attorney. A lawyer specializing in cell phone accident cases in Texas can guide and represent you throughout the process.
Following these steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Compensation Available to Victims in Texas
Victims of cell phone-related accidents in Texas may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their case. The most common include:
- Medical expenses. Consultations, hospitalization, medication, and surgeries.
- Rehabilitation and therapies. Physical, occupational, or psychological treatment.
- Lost wages. The income you were unable to earn during your recovery.
- Emotional damages. Compensation for suffering and disruption to your daily life.
- Property damage. Repair or replacement of your vehicle.
- Punitive damages. Applicable in severe cases to penalize the responsible driver.
An attorney experienced in catastrophic injury cases can help accurately calculate the true value of your claim and ensure that your compensation covers all current and future needs.
Why Should You Hire an Attorney to Handle Your Catastrophic Injury Case in Texas?
Having an attorney to guide you through the process of seeking justice after a catastrophic injury provides significant advantages:
- Experience in similar cases: Knowledge of how to prove driver distraction.
- Thorough investigation: Access to phone records, security footage, and witnesses.
- Negotiation with insurers: Protection against unfair or reduced settlement offers.
- Court representation: Strong defense if the case proceeds to trial.
- Personalized support: An attorney understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you are facing.
Accidents caused by cell phone use in Texas represent a growing threat to road safety. If you were the victim of such an incident, you should not face the legal process alone. The guidance of a specialized attorney can mean the difference between receiving fair compensation and accepting an unjustly low settlement.
Attorney Javier Pérez and his team understand the anguish of going through such a difficult situation. They will fight for your rights, guide you, and defend your interests to help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Schedule a consultation with Javier Pérez today, knowing that you will be defended with the utmost dedication.