Distracted driving accidents are a significant concern on Houston’s roads, contributing to numerous crashes each year. With the increase in mobile phone usage and other distractions, such accidents can lead to severe injuries and fatalities. At Car Wreck Texas, we understand how devastating distracted driving accidents can be for individuals, families, and victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and how a personal injury lawyer can help protect them.
As a personal injury law firm serving Houston, Texas, we handle distracted driving accident cases. Our experienced attorneys can handle complex legal claims related to distracted driving. Let’s dive into the key aspects of distracted driving accidents, how they happen, and how a skilled personal injury attorney can help you achieve justice.
Distracted Driving Accident Statistics in Houston, Texas
In 2024, Houston experienced over 34,500 crashes, with 20% linked to phone usage. Distracted driving is a significant contributing factor to the city’s traffic safety problems, and over 68,000 car crashes occurred in Houston in 2024, demonstrating the scale of the issue.
The broader Texas context reveals the severity of the problem. In 2024, nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver, resulting in 373 deaths and 2,587 serious injuries. In Harris County specifically, distracted driving was identified as a contributing factor in 12,010 car crashes, making it the second most common contributing factor after speeding.
Distracted driving contributes to as much as 20 percent of all fatal crashes, with cell phone use being the main culprit. The Texas Transportation Institute found that texting doubles a driver’s reaction time, significantly increasing crash risk. Texas ranked eighth among all states with a 14% rate of distracted driving crashes during the first six months of 2023, indicating that drivers were distracted by their phones for an average of 14% of their drives.
What Factors Contribute to Distracted Driving Accidents in Houston, Texas?
Several factors can contribute to distracted driving accidents. At Car Wreck Texas, our team investigates every aspect of the accident to identify the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable. Some of the most common causes include:
- Texting While Driving: Texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. It requires the driver to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving.
- Using a Mobile Phone for Calls: Talking on the phone while driving can reduce focus and lead to slower reaction times.
- Eating or drinking: Drivers may become distracted while eating or drinking, diverting their attention from the road.
- Adjusting the Radio or GPS: Interacting with in-car technology can also take a driver’s focus away from driving.
What Are the Common Injuries from Distracted Driving Accidents in Houston, Texas?
Injuries from distracted driving accidents can range from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries sustained in distracted driving accidents include:
- Whiplash: Sudden impacts can lead to neck and back injuries, often causing long-term pain and discomfort.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: A significant impact, such as a head-on collision, can cause serious head injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in paralysis or permanent disability.
- Fractures: Victims of distracted driving accidents may suffer broken bones or joint injuries due to the force of the impact.
Suppose you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident. In that case, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult a Houston personal injury attorney who can guide you through pursuing compensation.
What Actions Should You Take After a Distracted Driving Accident in Houston, Texas?
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident in Houston, the actions you take in the aftermath can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: The priority should always be to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine after the accident, injuries like concussions, fractures, and internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care is essential.
- Report the Accident: Report the accident to the police and your insurance company immediately. This creates a record of the incident, which will be essential when filing a claim.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs of the accident site, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Speak with a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney: Contact an experienced lawyer, like those at Car Wreck Texas, as soon as possible. Our team can help you investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and ensure your rights are protected.
- File a Personal Injury Claim: If the distracted driving accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can help guide you through the claims process.
What Are the Legal Considerations After a Distracted Driving Accident in Houston, Texas?
After a distracted driving accident, several legal avenues may be available for compensation. Depending on the situation, you may have claims against:
- The distracted driver: If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they may be held responsible.
- The employer: The employer could be liable if the driver were on the job during the accident.
- Third parties: If another party’s negligence, such as poor road conditions, contributed to the accident, they may also be held accountable.
Why Choose Car Wreck Texas for Your Distracted Driving Accident Case in Houston, Texas?
Having the right attorney can make all the difference when dealing with the aftermath of a distracted driving accident. Here’s why Car Wreck Texas is the best choice for your case:
- Experience: With years of experience handling personal injury claims in Houston, we deeply understand Texas laws related to distracted driving accidents. We know how to handle insurance companies effectively and oppose lawyers to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
- Personalized Attention: We treat each case with the utmost care and attention. From your first consultation to the final settlement, we’ll keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
- Proven Track Record: Our Houston distracted driving car accident lawyers have a strong history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’ve helped victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Aggressive Legal Representation: We are unafraid to take on big insurance companies or aggressive defendants. If necessary, we are ready to take your case to court to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Houston Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorney Today
Distracted driving accidents can have life-changing consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Car Wreck Texas, we are dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Our Houston distracted driving car accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and passion to fight for your rights and secure a fair settlement.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident in Houston, don’t wait. Contact (713) 999-8773 Car Wreck Texas today for a consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
