Distracted driving is one of the most significant causes of road accidents in the United States today. Sadly, the beautiful city of Austin, Texas, is not exempt from this serious issue. Distracted driving endangers the driver and poses a severe risk to passengers, other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
If you were hurt in a collision caused by someone else’s inattention, McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers is here for you. Our Austin car accident lawyers know how to fight for fair compensation, ensuring that victims receive an amount that fully compensates them for their damages.
Contact our office today at (512) 474-0222 to learn more. We offer a free case assessment, so there’s no risk in reaching out for legal advice.
If you’re suffering from painful car accident injuries, the last thing you want to deal with is a compensation claim. Fortunately, our Austin personal injury lawyers can handle all aspects of the legal process while you focus on healing.
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we can support you with your car accident case by:
Reach out to our Austin, TX, law firm today for a free consultation to get the process started. We will explain your rights and help you understand what to expect.
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive. Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road, manual distractions make you take your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions take your mind off driving.
In Texas, distracted driving contributes to tens of thousands of accidents each year. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023 alone, there were over 90,000 crashes involving driver distraction or inattention across the state. As a major urban center, Austin naturally accounts for a significant portion of these crashes.
Even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious accident. Consider this: when driving at 55 mph and taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds to send a text, you’ve traveled the length of a football field without looking. Just imagine the potential for disaster in that distance.
Distracted driving reduces your ability to react swiftly to sudden changes in traffic, signals, or unexpected obstacles. This delay can lead to rear-end collisions, veering off the road, or crossing into oncoming traffic lanes.
Texas law prohibits using handheld devices for texting and emailing while driving. According to Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, all drivers are prohibited from using wireless communication devices to send electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.
Despite this law, many drivers continue to use their phones on the road. If a driver is found to have been distracted, this can be considered negligence, leading to liability for the resulting damages. Victims of these accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
If you or a loved one were involved in a distracted driving accident in Austin, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. Understanding your rights and the types of damages that may be available is essential for ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of damages accident victims might be entitled to recover:
One of the most immediate concerns following a car accident is covering the cost of medical treatment.
Victims of distracted driving accidents may incur a range of medical expenses, including:
Recovery from an accident may force victims to miss work. Compensation for lost wages can cover:
Accidents often result in damage to personal property. Victims may be entitled to recover costs for:
Pain and suffering damages acknowledge the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident. This can include:
Our Austin personal injury attorneys can help you determine the damages you may be entitled to and accurately value them.
Distracted driving remains a critical issue on Austin’s roads. Everyone needs to stay focused behind the wheel to ensure the safety of all road users. However, if you or a loved one were harmed by a distracted driver, remember that you have legal options.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers stands ready to help victims of distracted driving accidents navigate the legal system. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Let our Austin distracted driving accident attorneys work to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
