The Rise in Car Accidents Due to Distracted Driving in Texas

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in Texas today. This hazard is becoming increasingly serious with each passing year, and the rise of the smartphone has put countless motorists in danger. If you believe your accident in Texas was caused by a distracted driver, you might just be right. This is a clear sign of negligence – and it can form the basis of a personal injury lawsuit. While proving distracted driving can be challenging, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Irving, Texas, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from a qualified attorney. David Sanchez Law Group, PLLC, is here to help. Our experienced accident lawyers will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation and discuss your case, call us today at (972) 529-3476. Our dedicated team will sit down with you, listen to your story, and walk you through your legal options. Don’t face this challenging time alone – let us help you navigate the complex world of rideshare accident claims and work towards a brighter future.

Texas Leads the Nation in Distracted Driving

According to the San Antonio Express, Texas has more distracted drivers than many other states in the country. It ranked in the top 10, placing eighth. The Lone Star State received a distraction rate score of 14%, implying that a high number of drivers in Texas are distracted. The national average is 12%.

Over the years, numerous campaigns and programs have aimed to curb distracted driving in this state. However, accidents continue to occur – and innocent people continue to suffer. In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation announced that almost 500 people had died due to distracted driving in 2022. This represents a 10% increase compared to the previous year. TxDOT also recorded more than 20,000 crashes caused by distracted driving in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone during 2022.

A TxDOT official reminded drivers that when you text, you take your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. The official also pointed out that during those five seconds, you can travel the length of a football field while being completely blind to your surroundings. As part of the “Talk. Text. Crash” campaign that year, TxDOT urged drivers to put away their phones or block texts while driving. They say that if a text is extremely important, you should pull over safely before replying. In addition, the Department recommended telling your friends and coworkers not to text you while you’re on the road.

Distracted Truckers Are Especially Dangerous

Although any distracted driver can pose hazards to others, truckers are especially dangerous when they become distracted. In April of 2024, a truck driver became distracted and stopped his vehicle on a set of railroad tracks in Kleberg County. In this case, the truck driver was distracted by an unnamed object that he dropped. While reaching down to grab the item, he let his foot off the brake. It was at this moment that the vehicle started creeping toward the railroad tracks. Moments later, the truck was hit by a fast-moving train. Although no one was seriously injured in this particular situation, it illustrates how common distracted trucking is.

In 2023, a distracted trucker was blamed for the death of a 28-year-old woman in San Marcos. According to the police report, the trucker had committed numerous acts of negligence before the crash. Not only did he fail to properly inspect his vehicle, but he also broke the speed limit and became distracted. It is not clear what he was distracted by, but this specific accident led to a wrongful death lawsuit.

Despite the high rate of distracted driving in Texas, the issue is spreading across the entire nation. In 2023, a truck driver was charged with manslaughter after causing a fiery, six-vehicle crash in Arizona. Cell phone data later determined that the trucker was actively using the popular TikTok app moments before the collision. The vehicle was traveling at 68 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone – and five people died in the crash.

The FBI assisted with this particular investigation, and they helped gather cell phone data to prove that the trucker was distracted. Although this was certainly helpful, you do not necessarily need help from the FBI to prove someone was distracted moments before your crash. An experienced injury attorney can gain access to these cell phone records while helping you prove negligence.

Find an Experienced Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Texas

Distracted driving is a clear example of negligence, and it can lead to a lawsuit in Texas. With help from a car accident lawyer in Irving, you can hold these distracted drivers accountable. If you are struggling with serious injuries after a car accident, you should not have to pay for your own damages. Instead, you can pursue compensation from negligent parties to cover medical expenses, missed wages, and more. To learn more about your legal options, contact David Sanchez Legal Group at (972) 529-3476.