Texas Texting While Driving Laws

Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251 prohibits reading, writing, or sending a text message from a wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, while operating a vehicle. This restriction does not apply if the vehicle is stopped or if the motorist is using a device:

  • With a hands-free application
  • With a GPS
  • For emergency purposes
  • To read a message believed to concern an emergency
  • Affixed to the vehicle to send messages associated with the user’s job
  • To start a music-playing device

If it is discovered that the defendant in a car accident case was texting while driving, they could face litigation in both local civil and criminal courts. While an injured claimant cannot recover damages through a criminal case, a conviction could be valuable evidence in a civil claim for damages.

media

Recoverable Damages in Texting While Driving Crashes

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly 20 percent of vehicle collisions in Texas were caused by texting while driving. These crashes resulted in catastrophic injuries and death. Even with a law prohibiting texting while driving in the state, the Texas DOT reports little change in driver behavior related to cellphone use.

Those injured in a Parker vehicle wreck that was caused by a driver who was texting can seek legal recourse for a variety of damages. Injured claimants can seek compensation for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §§71.002 – 71.004, when collision causes a person’s death, the surviving family members can seek legal recourse from the responsible party through a either a survival action or wrongful death claim. A local attorney could discuss which option is applicable in their specific case.

Learn More About Texting While Driving from a Parker Attorney

Contacting a local law firm could prove be highly beneficial to someone injured in a texting while driving car accident in Parker. Texas law protects those who suffer injuries caused by the neglect or disregard of others. Even a claimant who bears some responsibility in an accident could potentially collect damages if the accident was primarily the fault of the defendant.

Do not hesitate to seek legal recourse with the help of an experienced injury attorney. To schedule a free case review, contact our office today.

Parker Case Types

Get The Help You Need Contact McCraw Law Group

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

Get a Free Virtual Consultation
Contact us media
Contact us media
Logo media

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in North Texas, please contact the team at McCraw Law Group today. We are ready to help you in a broad range of serious accident and injury legal issues, and offer multiple ways to reach us.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (972) 945-1173.