Distracted driving is a serious issue that poses a significant risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road. With the rise of technology and various distractions, it has become a bigger threat and cause of injuries than ever. Even with awareness and education, drivers continue to engage in distraction and cause injuries. If you have been involved in this type of accident, immediately consult with an experienced Houston distracted driving accident lawyer from Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP. We believe in holding distracted drivers fully accountable for the harm they cause and obtaining justice for our clients.
Distracted driving involves a wide range of activities that divert a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. It can involve:
All types of distracted driving have the potential to cause serious and even deadly collisions. Many people underestimate cognitive or manual distractions, but these can also be dangerous.
Some of the most common distractions to drivers include the following, though there are many, many more.
Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, providing us with constant connectivity and convenience. However, this dependence on digital devices has caused a significant increase in distracted driving incidents. It is all too easy to glance at a phone when a driver receives a notification or wants to check something.
When drivers give in to the temptation of checking a text message or scrolling through social media feeds while behind the wheel, they put themselves and others at serious risk. Even in slower Houston traffic jams, looking at a phone is distracting and dangerous.
Studies have shown that using a smartphone while driving significantly impairs a driver’s attention, reaction time, and situational awareness. Even a momentary glance at a notification can take a driver’s eyes off the road for several seconds, often resulting in devastating consequences. In fact, using a handheld device while driving increases the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle accident by up to four times.
Texas has laws against texting and driving, including:
Texas does not ban using handheld devices altogether, but doing so can cause accidents, and drivers can still be liable.
“Every challenge is an opportunity for us to make a difference. Let’s work together to turn your personal injury journey into a successful path forward. ”
Scott Armstrong
Partner
While smartphones are the most cited distraction in our modern society, there are many others that cause accidents. These include vehicle systems that aim to avoid smartphone distractions.
Modern vehicles often come equipped with in-car infotainment systems that offer various features such as GPS navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling. While these systems aim to provide convenience, they can also pose a distraction if not used responsibly. While they are hands-free, research shows they still cause cognitive and often visual distractions.
Listening to podcasts or audiobooks while driving has grown in popularity, but it can be a source of distraction. Engrossing stories or highly engaging content can divert a driver’s attention from the road and impede their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations.
Some drivers engage in grooming activities such as applying makeup or otherwise looking in the mirror while driving, which can severely impair their focus and reaction time. These activities require visual and manual attention, making them dangerous distractions on the road.
Eating or drinking while driving may seem harmless, but it can lead to significant distractions. Taking your hands off the steering wheel or paying more attention to your meal than the road can be dangerous and increase the chances of accidents. This is particularly true when eating messy foods or drinking hot liquids like coffee on a morning commute.
Interactions with passengers can also be distractions while driving. Engaging in deep or troubling conversations, turning to look at passengers, or dealing with rowdy behavior can divert a driver’s attention and compromise their ability to focus on the road.
Daydreaming or being lost in thought can be one of the most common forms of distracted driving. It is a significant problem that can cause drivers to become unaware of their surroundings and react slower to potential hazards on the road. Many drivers do not even realize they were daydreaming until they become aware they do not remember the road the last mile or so.
External events such as accidents, roadside emergencies, or even attractive billboards can grab a driver’s attention and divert their focus away from the road ahead. These distractions can lead to delayed reactions and increased accident risks.
No matter the distraction, our legal team holds drivers responsible when their conduct causes injuries to others. Contact our distracted driving accident attorneys about your rights and options now.
We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
Distracted driving accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. The types of injuries sustained in these accidents can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, and other circumstances. Some common types of injuries caused by distracted driving accidents include:
In general, the driver who was distracted and caused the accident is primarily at fault. However, other parties may also be held accountable depending on the circumstances, such as the driver’s employer if they were on the job at the time of the accident. This is because the law holds employers vicariously liable for the negligent conduct of their employees when they cause harm to others.
If a distracted driver is uninsured, we can assist you in seeking compensation from other sources, such as your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. We will explore all possible options to make sure you get the financial support you need. Often, there are more sources of liability than you might realize, and our experience and resources allow us to thoroughly investigate all possibilities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident in Houston, never delay in seeking legal representation from experienced Houston distracted driving accident lawyers. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we have over 25 years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, including those involving distracted driving accidents. Our dedicated team of lawyers understands how these cases work and has a 98% success rate in securing compensation for our clients.
We understand the challenges you are facing after a distracted driving accident and are here to provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need. Our team has recovered over $250 million for our clients, and we fight for every dollar you are owed. Trust our knowledge, experience, and dedication when seeking the right attorney for you.
Don’t wait; contact us today and let us fight for your rights. Contact our Houston distracted driving accident lawyers at 832-669-6161 for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, provide you with the legal guidance you need, and fight for your rights. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of lawyers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Our lawyers have more than 20 years of legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston
Find out if you have a case or ask us a question
by filling out the form below or call us at 832-402-6637