According to some studies, distracted drivers are even more dangerous than drunk drivers. However, it is often much more difficult to prove negligence in a distracted driving case than in a DWI case. While it is advisable to consult with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident, here is some key information which may be useful in the meantime:
Understanding the Law Regarding Texting While Driving
Despite the growing danger to public safety caused by distracted drivers, the practice of using a cellphone is not illegal in Texas. There are some exceptions, of course, such as when you’re driving in school zones, if the driver is younger than 18, or in certain individual cities such as Arlington. However, whether or not texting while driving is against the law, it is almost certainly regarded as a hazardous practice which would be noted on the police crash scene report. Learn more about the texting and driving laws in Texas.
Proving That the Other Driver was Using Their Cellphone
It is not always easy to prove definitively that the negligent motorist was using their cellphone immediately prior to the crash. It can be established that they were talking, texting or accessing the internet on their phone by requesting a detailed phone record from their cellphone service provider. Unfortunately, it often means filing a lawsuit in order to access this information legally. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer will make this process far easier and less time consuming for you. Learn more about getting a copy of the at-fault driver’s phone records.
Passengers Who Have Suffered Injuries
Whether you were a passenger in a car which was hit by a distracted driver, or if the driver of the vehicle you were riding in was texting when the accident occurred, as a passenger you had absolutely no control over your own safety, and you have every right to pursue a claim for compensation. This does not mean that you are suing someone; you are simply making an insurance claim to cover the expensive medical bills you have incurred. It is perfectly normal for injured passengers to make a claim against their spouse, parent or friend if that who was driving at the time. Learn more about passenger’s legal rights.
Loose Dogs Crash Cars
Lots of times, pet owners drive with their dog either sitting in their lap or else roaming free around their vehicle. This is a huge distraction and could very likely cause a serious multi-vehicle wreck simply because the animal was not properly restrained. Worryingly, this is a very common habit among dog owners, despite its serious implications. Learn more about why driving with pets is considered distracted driving.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving
When you’re sitting behind the wheel of a automobile, you’re full attention should be on the road ahead and the safe operation of your vehicle. Anything that takes your attention away from that jeopardizes not only your safety, but the safety of all other road users around you. Eating, applying make-up, shaving and reading are all recognized as highly distracting activities comparable to texting while driving. Learn more about other dangerously distracting activities.
In order to give yourself the best possible chance to recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve from the insurance company, it is critical that you hire a board certified personal injury attorney to fight for you as soon as possible following the crash which caused your injuries. The Anderson Law Firm offers completely free, no obligation consultations to accident victims, and if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. Call us today at 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, or toll free from anywhere at 800-354-6275.
As a complimentary service to Tarrant County accident victims, the Anderson Law Firm will send you the police report concerning your Tarrant County wreck free of charge with absolutely no strings attached. If you have been injured in a car, motorcycle or truck accident in Tarrant County that you believe wasn’t your fault, contact us today to receive your free police report. All you need to do is call 817-294-1900, give us some basic information about your accident and we’ll take care of the rest. You won’t have to pay six dollars or go to the police station and wait in line to get your crash report – we’ll do it for you at absolutely no charge to you. If you’re interested in receiving your free police report, contact the Anderson Law Firm today.
