Justice for Victims of Texting and Driving Accidents

Texting and Driving: A Serious Problem

Statistics related to texting and driving paint a sobering picture of how frequently serious and even fatal accidents result from distracted drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System found that 42 percent of high school students who drove in the previous 30 days had sent a text or email while driving. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles revealed that in our country:

• 1 in 4 vehicle crashes in 2014 involved cell phone use
• On average, 9 people are killed every day due to a distracted driver
• Distracted drivers injure more than 1,000 people daily

Austin: A Hands-Free City

In January 2015, a the city of Austin passed an ordinance that prohibits the use of any electronic hand-held device, including cell phones, while driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle. Those who violate the ordinance face fines of up to $500. A hands-free system, such as Bluetooth, headphones, or an affixed GPS system may be used while operating a vehicle or bicycle to avoid penalties.

Using a hand-held device while driving is in clear violation of the law, and you have the right to hold at-fault parties accountable. 

Making Austin a hands-free city is part of an effort to minimize distracted driving and encourage drivers to focus on operating a vehicle.

I’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver. What Now?

There are several steps to take following a car accident. Arguably the most important is to receive medical attention. Seeking treatment right away is critical to your health. It also establishes a link between your injuries and an accident, thereby validating your claim. You should then file a police report and take down the contact information of any eyewitnesses. If you have been the victim of a texting and driving accident, you should reach out to a reputable car accident attorney. Using a hand-held device while driving is in clear violation of the law, and you have the right to hold at-fault parties accountable. 

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?

A distracted driving accident attorney will calculate damages based on past, current, and future losses. Victims may receive compensation for:

• Ambulance and emergency room costs
• Doctor’s visits
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Rehabilitation
• Property Damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity

Our team works on a contingency basis, meaning he only collects attorney’s fees if you secure compensation.