Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer in Laredo
Our Law Firm Serves Victims and Families
Cell phones, GPS systems, music players and other mobile devices are designed to make life easier for people on-the-go. But when drivers choose to use these devices while behind the wheel, they put others at immediate risk. Our distracted driving attorney in Laredo knows car accidents involving distracted drivers have become all-too-common in Laredo and across Texas.
John R. Solis, Attorney at Law is familiar with how and why distracted driving accidents occur. It could simply be a driver who took his or her eyes off the road for a few seconds to program a GPS to get to Mall de Norte. A teenager or young adult may have texted and driven many times before causing an accident. If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver, contact us for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
A closer look at distracted driving in Texas
Reports from the Texas Department of Transportation indicate that thousands of Texas car accidents are caused by distracted drivers every year. It's important to remember that the data reflects only on drivers who reported as having indicated so at the time of the crash. Unfortunately, many drivers may be afraid or unwilling to admit they were at fault for their accident.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention off the task of safely operating a vehicle. Motorists have both an ethical and legal responsibility to give their full attention to driving while their vehicle is in motion and can be held liable for injuries they cause if they don’t meet that responsibility.
What are the types of distracted driving?
In general, there are three types of distraction behind the wheel:
- Visual: a distraction that takes the driver’s eyes off the road
- Manual: a distraction that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: a distraction that takes the driver’s mind off the task of operating the vehicle
Texting and driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction.
How can motorists avoid distracted driving?
The best way to avoid distracted driving is to wait to engage in any distracting activities until you arrive at your destination. If there’s something that cannot wait, find a safe place to park or pull over, outside the roadway. Remember that mental distractions can linger for a minute or two, so the safest practice is to take a few moments to rest and re-focus your mind on driving after sending a text message or performing another distracting task before you get back on the road.
What are the legal implications of distracted driving?
Some states have laws banning specific types of distracted driving, such as texting or cell phone use behind the wheel. Every state has laws holding motorists responsible if their negligence causes an accident. People who are hurt by distracted drivers can pursue legal recourse through the civil justice system, regardless of whether the distracted driver violated a specific traffic law. The victim only needs to prove that the distracted driver was responsible for the wreck.
How can an attorney help with a distracted driving case?
Distracted drivers and their insurance companies may dispute whether they were actually responsible for an accident. Moreover, since distracted driving crashes often happen at low speeds, an insurance company may dispute the extent of the victim’s injuries. An attorney can investigate to find proof that the distracted driver really did cause the accident and advocate for the full extent of the damages (financial compensation) the victim deserves.
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What are other causes of distracted driving accidents in Texas? A potential list of causes is long and distressing, including the following:
- Talking to passengers
- Eating
- Drinking
- Grooming
Drivers in Texas know better than to text and drive. But while educational efforts to crack down on the dangerous practice reach Texas drivers every day, people still choose to take their eyes off the road to send and receive text messages while behind the wheel. A texting driver may fail to notice a car, truck or motorcycle stopped in front of them. The driver might be paying more attention to her phone than a red light at a busy intersection.
John R. Solis, Attorney at Law understands how difficult life can become after an accident with a texting driver. Without warning, you may find your life turned upside-down because a driver was more concerned with his cell phone than the safety of other drivers.
Every texting and cell-phone related accident is unique. Technological advances allow cell phone users to manipulate their phones in a variety of different ways. In addition to sending and receiving text messages, drivers can access the internet, check their email, post to social media websites, and to take and upload photos. Many drivers may have texted and driven numerous times before being involved in an accident.
We understand your accident might not have been your fault. We also understand that Texas law surrounding the act of texting while driving is complex. While texting and driving is banned for bus drivers, intermediate drivers, and in school zones, there is no statewide law prohibiting all motorists from texting while driving. We know how to prove fault in a texting accident. We can obtain cell phone records. We know how to help.
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Talking on Cellphone
When driving in Laredo or anywhere else in Texas, chances are you've noticed a driver who has one hand on the wheel and the other on his or her cell phone. Talking on a cell phone is a dangerous practice that takes a driver's attention away from the road and can lead to a serious car accident. However, just because it's unsafe doesn't mean Texas drivers are willing to put down their phones while driving.
John R. Solis, Attorney at Law is familiar with Texas law surrounding cell phone use among drivers. It is legal for drivers of non-commercial vehicles in Texas to use their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. But they can be liable if they cause an accident.
A serious cell phone-related car accident can result in years of physical, emotional financial hardship. If you've done nothing to cause your accident, you shouldn't have to pay for somebody else's mistake. That's why we're here. We know how to find evidence others may overlook. We have access to medical experts who can help support your accident claim. We know how to take on insurance companies that may try to keep your compensation to a minimum after an accident.
Contact an experienced attorney today
Don't wait a minute longer. Contact John R. Solis, Attorney at Law today to discuss your legal options with an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer in Laredo. A delay may affect your rights. Call 866-465-9093 for a free case consultation. Our firm proudly serves the needs of English and Spanish speaking clients in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio.
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