Distracted Drivers Liable for Accidents- Texas Personal Injury Lawyer
According to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report, people who use cell phones while driving are more likely to engage in other dangerous driving behaviors, as well, such as speeding, texting or sending emails, failing to wear a seatbelt, and driving while drowsy. More specifically, of the respondents who had used a cell phone while driving fairly often or regularly over the last month:
- 65% also reported speeding
- 44% also reported driving while drowsy
- 53% also reported texting or sending an email while driving
- 29% also reported driving without a seatbelt
On the other hand, drivers who did not regularly use a cell phone while driving were much less likely to engage in any other risky driving behaviors.
Furthermore, although 89% of respondents to the AAA survey reported that other drivers who use cell phones are a threat to their safety, 69% of those same respondents admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving within the past month. Likewise, 90% of the survey respondents had the opinion that cell phone usage while driving is a bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet the respondents themselves still choose to use their own cell phones while driving.
From this data, it appears that though most drivers are well-aware of the dangers associated with cell phone usage and driving, as well as other dangerous driving behaviors, the vast majority of them still continue to engage in the same risky driving activities. Despite nationwide educational efforts about distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 3,000 people are killed and 500,000 are injured each year due to accidents caused by distracted driving.
When a distracted driving accident occurs, the driver who engaged in the dangerous behavior, whether it be texting, sending emails, or talking on a cell phone while driving, may be held liable for any injuries or deaths that result from the accident. Victims of distracted driving accidents, or their surviving family members in the case of fatal accidents, may be able to file claims for personal injury or wrongful death that entitle them to financial compensation from the responsible party. As a result, in the event that you or a loved one is in involved in such an accident, you should immediately contact an experienced Texas personal injury attorney who can investigate the facts surrounding your claim, evaluate the legitimacy of your claim, and assist you in taking any steps necessary to file your claim and receive compensation for your losses.
