It’s a warning that can’t be repeated enough: distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk. With the rise of cellphones, inattentiveness has become an even bigger problem. Unfortunately, a driver’s decision to divert their attention elsewhere can result in serious injuries to others.
When that is the case, it may also be a time to consider filing a personal injury claim.
The breadth of the distracted driving problem
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2018 alone more than 95,000 crashes were caused by distracted driving. That’s nearly one in five of all crashes on Texas roadways that year. In addition, those distracted driving accidents resulted in 394 deaths and 2,340 serious injuries.
There are laws meant to curb distracted driving. The state of Texas outlaws any type of messaging while operating a motor vehicle. The city of Austin has its own hands-free laws also aimed at the issue. It’s not just mobile devices however. There are other forms of distractions, including:
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to other passengers
- Adjusting music or the radio
- Doing hair, makeup, cleaning or other grooming
- Handling children or pets in the vehicle
Or, as the Texas Department of Transportation phrases it, distracted driving is “any activity that takes your attention away from driving.”
Pursuing a personal injury claim
If a driver was looking at their phone or staring into a mirror, and that behavior caused the crash, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries. Getting fair compensation however may involve going to the other driver’s insurance or filing a civil lawsuit.
It can be a complicated process, which is why victims often hire a lawyer to help guide them through the case. While it may take time, a personal injury claim might result in help paying for medical care, lost wages, or even pain and suffering as a result of the crash.
