Commuters in Texas are expected to pay attention to their surroundings in order to prevent collisions. When drivers take their eyes off the road, they can collide with other motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, or bicyclists, causing devastating injuries. If you have suffered an injury in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may qualify for legal damages. Distracted driving car accidents in Parker should be handled by an experienced injury attorney who could provide trustworthy guidance throughout the legal process. By working with a knowledgeable lawyer, you could improve your chances of a positive resolution.
Researchers typically classify distractions that affect driving into three types: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions direct the driver’s eyes away from the road, manual distractions cause drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions divert the driver’s mental focus away from operating a vehicle. Some distractions occupy more than one category, for instance, texting while driving falls into all three.
While motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving have been affected in recent decades by various statutes prohibiting drivers from talking, texting, and surfing the internet on handheld cellular devices, these collisions remain relatively common. Other causes of distracted driving crashes in Parker include talking with passengers inside a vehicle, focusing on events taking place outside a vehicle, eating and drinking, daydreaming, and operating dashboard controls.
Even in states with no statutes directly related to distracted driving, a driver who is inattentive while behind the wheel can be grounds for a civil claim for personal injury or wrongful death. Under Texas Transportation Code §545.425 and 4251, a motorist may not use a wireless communication device to read, write, or send a message while driving. However, if the motorist was using a device to make an emergency call, that could be a strong defense against distracted driving.
Using such devices for any reason in a school zone or while operating a bus carrying child passengers is also prohibited. Using cellular devices is permissible if the vehicle has stopped or the driver uses a hands-free mechanism to operate the device, which provides an affirmative defense. Those harmed by inattentive drivers in Parker should seek assistance from a local attorney to gather evidence that the motorist was distracted at the time of the collision.
People involved in distracted driving car accidents in Parker should seek guidance from a well-practiced attorney. If you experienced harm from an inattentive driver, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A seasoned attorney could review a driver’s cell phone records or video footage to prove the defendant was distracted at the time of the collision. Additionally, a lawyer could ensure you are rightfully compensated for the harm you have suffered. Do handle this on your own. Call our office today and schedule your free case consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
McCraw Law Group