Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Harker Heights
Mobile devices have become a necessity in most people’s professional and personal lives. As such, it is unsurprising that texting while driving has become an increasingly common occurrence. Today, phone usage behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the United States. Because of these tragic statistics, nearly every state has adopted laws that make texting while driving an offense punishable in civil and criminal court.
If you were seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash caused by a driver who was texting, consult a dedicated car accident attorney on holding the at-fault driver liable for your losses. A lawyer can provide valuable guidance on filing lawsuits for texting while driving car accidents in Harker Heights.
Common Injuries in Car Crashes Caused by Phone Usage
Texting can significantly decrease a motorist’s reaction time and awareness of their surroundings. When a distracted person is operating a vehicle traveling at high speeds, they could cause a severe collision that results in the following injuries:
- Concussions
- Neck injuries (e.g., whiplash)
- Skeletal fractures or sprains
- Abrasions and contusions
- Head trauma
- Internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, organ damage, etc.)
No matter what kind of injuries a car accident victim sustains, a skilled attorney can help them seek compensation if they were hurt by a driver who was texting when the collision occurred.
Laws for Texting While Driving in Harker Heights
In Texas, texting while driving is an unlawful act, punishable under § 545.4251(b) of the Texas Transportation Code. Under this law, it is illegal to use any mobile device to write, read, or send an electronically sent message while operating a motor vehicle.
According to this definition, sending an email while driving a car could also be considered an act of texting while driving. Those injured in a traffic collision should contact a skilled attorney in their area to help determine whether the other driver was using their phone at the time of the incident.
Establishing Negligence in Texting While Driving Accident Cases
For an injured person to recover damages from another driver, they must first establish that the person was negligent. This involves establishing the following legal concepts:
- Duty – the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to adhere to the state’s traffic laws
- Breach – the defendant breached their duty by failing to drive in adherence with the rules of the road
- Causation – the defendant’s breach of their duty was the cause of a traffic accident
- Damages – the motor vehicle collision caused the plaintiff to incur damages as a result
If a plaintiff and their lawyer can effectively establish another driver’s negligence, the court may order the at-fault party to pay for damages resulting from the accident. Because texting while driving is illegal, a plaintiff who can prove that the other party was on their phone at the time of the crash will likely be successful in their claim for civil damages. An attorney with experience handling texting while driving accident cases in Harker Heights can help an injured victim establish the other driver’s liability in causing the collision.
Discuss Texting While Driving Car Accidents with a Harker Heights Attorney
Texting while driving is a dangerous epidemic in the United States today. In addition to causing extensive property damage and severe bodily injuries, accidents involving phone usage see higher rates of fatalities than other types of traffic crashes.
If you were seriously injured by a driver who was texting behind the wheel, you may be owed financial compensation for your losses. Discuss texting while driving accidents in Harker Heights with a knowledgeable attorney to learn your legal options moving forward. Call today to set up a consultation.
