Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use

Cell phone use while driving is a significant and growing cause of motor vehicle accidents. Whether it’s texting, checking the GPS, or browsing the internet, distractions from mobile devices can lead to devastating crashes. Despite efforts by many states, including Texas, to curb cell phone-related distractions through legislation, these accidents continue to occur far too frequently. At the Ben Dominguez Law Firm, our car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling claims involving distracted driving and understand the serious consequences of these incidents.

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we can help you pursue compensation for your losses and hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

The Dangers of Driving While Using a Cell Phone

Using a cell phone while driving, especially for tasks like texting, is extremely dangerous. Just taking your eyes off the road for five seconds to send or read a text can result in a catastrophic accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2022, over 3,300 people lost their lives in crashes caused by distracted driving.

Cell phone use significantly impairs a driver’s reaction time, preventing them from responding quickly to changes in traffic, and can cause them to overlook important road hazards like pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. As a result, many states, including Texas, have passed laws to reduce cell phone use while driving.

Texas Cell Phone Laws: What Drivers Need to Know

Texas has enacted several laws aimed at reducing distracted driving. These laws are designed to protect everyone on the road by encouraging safer driving habits and limiting the use of cell phones behind the wheel.

Hands-free law. Drivers are prohibited from holding a cell phone while driving. Instead, they must use Bluetooth or voice commands to operate their phone.

No texting. Sending or reading text messages, or engaging in any other form of electronic messaging, is banned while driving.

Restrictions for new drivers and minors. Drivers with a learner’s permit are prohibited from using their phone for the first six months. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use their phone, even in hands-free mode, unless it’s an emergency.

School zones. Drivers are not allowed to use their cell phones while driving through school zones or on school property.

Penalties for Distracted Driving in Texas

Violating Texas’ cell phone laws can result in fines and other penalties:

First offense. A fine of up to $99.

Subsequent offenses. Fines up to $200 and the possibility of additional penalties, such as a suspended driver’s license.

These laws are designed to deter distracted driving, but unfortunately, they don’t eliminate the problem entirely.

What to Do After an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and pursue compensation.

At the Ben Dominguez Law Firm, we specialize in handling cases involving distracted driving. Our experienced attorneys will investigate the accident, gather critical evidence—such as the other driver’s cell phone records—and work to prove that the driver’s negligence caused the crash. These cases can be complex, especially if the other party denies liability, but with our expertise, we can build a strong case on your behalf.

Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a distracted driving accident:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Call the police to file a report of the incident.
• Document the accident by taking photos, collecting witness statements, and noting the other driver’s behavior if possible.
• Contact a car accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.

Our team at the Ben Dominguez Law Firm will help you navigate these steps and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Get a Free Consultation – No Obligation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, the Ben Dominguez Law Firm is here to help. We offer free consultations with no obligation, so you can speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.

If you decide to move forward with us, we’ll start working on your case immediately, investigating the details of the accident and gathering the necessary evidence to build a strong claim. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the legal help you need.

Distracted driving is a preventable cause of accidents, and if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.