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Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Houston

Texting or reading text messages is a significant cause of accidents countrywide, leading to severe injuries and long-term or permanent disabilities. This act removes individuals’ eyes from the road, placing themselves and others in danger of entirely avoidable collisions.

Handheld communication device regulations vary somewhat. However, traffic safety laws prohibit residents from texting while operating vehicles throughout the state. Call a hard-working attorney to learn more about texting and driving car accidents in Houston.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Driving with distractions puts the driver and others at extreme risk of bodily harm and property damage. While many things distract motorists these days, texting is the most dangerous and one of the primary causes of accidents leading to life-threatening or fatal injuries countrywide. There are three different forms of driving distractions, and texting involves all of them.

Visual Distractions

Texting is a visual distraction because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. A few seconds may sound insignificant, but it is enough to cause an accident with catastrophic consequences in the lives of everyone involved.

Manual Distractions

Texting is a manual distraction because the motorist removes one or both hands from the steering wheel to complete the action. Individuals that remove their hands from the steering wheel place themselves at risk of losing control of the vehicle.

Cognitive Distractions

Texting or reading text messages is a cognitive distraction because the individual focuses on the conversation rather than the road and their surroundings. The most effective way to avoid car crashes is to remain alert, with their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. An attorney in Houston knowledgeable about texting while driving car crashes could help hold the reckless party financially accountable.

State Texting and Handheld Communication Device Laws

Texting or using a handheld device for written communication while operating a vehicle is unlawful in Houston. According to the Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, those who use handheld communication devices to send or read electronic messages violate the law and face criminal and civil penalties.

If a state police officer sees a motorist texting while operating a vehicle, they have the authority to stop them and issue a citation. Drivers guilty of texting while driving will receive a misdemeanor on their permanent criminal record and pay a fine. Other requirements of the transportation code include the following:

  • Using a handheld device for any purpose is unlawful while traveling in school zones
  • The code prohibits motorists under 18 from using handheld communication devices while operating vehicles
  • Traffic safety laws prohibit new drivers with learner permits from using cell phones for any purpose for the first six months

When an individual is using a handheld device to text or read messages and causes a crash, the other drivers have cause for a civil lawsuit to recover compensation. A lawyer in Houston experienced with texting while driving car crashes could help gather the evidence to prove liability and collect a fair award amount.

Speak With a Knowledgeable Attorney About Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Houston

The action of texting while driving is hazardous, unlawful, and avoidable. When drivers choose to text despite the risks, they disobey traffic safety regulations and disregard the safety of other drivers on the roadways.

Therefore, when distracted drivers cause harm to others, the civil court will hold them financially accountable. Schedule an appointment with a compassionate lawyer seasoned in texting while driving car accidents in Houston to begin working on your case.

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