Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life. They range from the minor fender-bender that’s more of an inconvenience than anything else, to the catastrophic crashes that can alter lives forever. In Sugar Land, roads that are typically filled with commuters can suddenly become the scene of a life-changing event due to one of the most common causes of accidents: distracted driving.
When you or a loved one become the victim of a car accident, getting justice is a difficult and complex journey. Work with an experienced Sugar Land car accident attorney like Maida Law Firm to fight for the compensation you deserve. We provide free consultations to advise you of your rights as an accident victim.
Defining Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from the primary task of driving. These distractions can be visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), or cognitive (taking your mind off of driving).
In 2022, almost one in six road accidents in Texas resulted from driver distraction, leading to the deaths of 487 individuals and causing serious injuries to 2,824 others. Unfortunately, Texas has some of the highest distracted driving statistics in the nation, so chances are you could be impacted by an accident like this at some point in time.
Common Distractions for Drivers
- Texting – Considered one of the most hazardous distractions for drivers today. This is one of the top causes of distracted driving accidents.
- Talking on the Phone – Applies to both holding a phone or talking hands-free.
- Eating and Drinking – Risky because it requires the driver to take at least one hand off of the wheel.
- Adjusting Music or Navigation – Changing radio stations, fiddling with music playlists, or adjusting the GPS.
- Passengers – Passengers or pets demanding attention can divert focus from driving.
- Grooming – Shaving, brushing or styling hair, or applying makeup of any kind.
Texting and Driving is Illegal
In Texas, it is illegal to text while driving. Drivers may not read, write, or send text messages while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.
Looking at the phone while driving significantly slows down a driver’s response time. Sending or reading a text will take their eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, five seconds is enough time to drive the length of a football field. That shows just how quickly an accident can happen.
For drivers under age 18, the law prohibits any cell phone use at any time while behind the wheel. This includes using hands-free devices.
Your Rights After an Accident
If you are the victim of a car accident, you are entitled to compensation that mirrors your pain and losses. That’s why it’s important to take action quickly after an accident to safeguard your rights. Yet, navigating the claims process and engaging with insurance firms can be very daunting, knowing they are probably going to fight you every step of the way. This is why it is such an advantage to you to work with a Sugar Land attorney who specializes in car accidents.
This is what a skilled car accident attorney should be able to do for you:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Identify potential liability
- Collect compelling evidence for your car accident case
- Establish the negligence of the at-fault party to support your claim
- Calculate past, present, and future accident-related expenses
- Assess intangible losses such as emotional distress, pain, and suffering
- Submit your claim to the insurance company
- Engage in negotiations with insurance adjusters
- If necessary, initiate legal proceedings and provide representation in court
Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Sugar Land
The aftermath of a distracted driving accident can leave you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. Don’t try to navigate it alone. Maida Law Firm has helped victims of distracted driving accidents in Sugar Land for years to secure justice and compensation where it was due. We will work tirelessly to build a case that represents your best interests and to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact us for a free case evaluation.