At Dunk Law Firm, we truly care about each and every one of our clients. We know that being involved in an unexpected accident or losing a loved one in a tragic incident is overwhelming. We're here to help.
MEET THE TEAMcontact usAbout 40% of all car accidents can be attributed in some way to distracted driving, according to research conducted by groups like the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
With driver distraction being one of the largest contributors to traffic collisions, it is therefore a significant contributor to all preventable deaths in the country. At Dunk Law Firm, we think this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed at every level.
We are proud to offer distracted driving accident claim representation to the good people of Houston in hopes that we can make a difference in their lives and those of all motorists. By holding a distracted driver accountable for their actions and the harm they caused, they are more likely to learn from their mistakes and stop their distracted driving habits.
If you have been hit by a driver who was not paying attention to the road, then let our distracted driving accident lawyers in Houston know by calling (713) 575-1991 or by filling out an online contact form if you prefer.
The CDC defines distracted driving as "anything that takes your attention away from driving." This can include visual, manual and cognitive distractions. In other words, if something takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or your mind off of driving, that thing should be considered a distraction.
There are no two ways around the issue: texting-and-driving is the most common and dangerous form of Texas distracted driving. Practically every motorist owns a smartphone, and the majority of those drivers keep it within eyesight or at-hand when behind the wheel.
Although the numbers vary depending on the data studies, research indicates that nearly 50% of all distracted driving accidents involve at least one driver using a cellphone in some capacity, such as texting, talking, changing the music selection, using the GPS, etc.
Other dangerous driver distractions that you could encounter on the road are:
The form of crash that most frequently results from driver distraction is rear-end accidents. These types of accidents can be either severe, or minor fender-benders.
Minor accidents typically occur if the driver wasn't paying attention and began to accelerate in standstill traffic while on their phone. They may then collide with the car in front of them, sometimes causing a chain-reaction collision.
More serious rear-end accidents may occur if a driver is traveling on the highway and looks away from the road for a moment and fails to notice the car in front of them is braking due to a road hazard. Because the driver is traveling at a much faster pace, they may not be able to stop in time and may hit the car in front of them going 60 mph or more.
It will be rare to meet a distracted driver who wants to admit they were not paying attention when they crashed. It is far more likely that they will somehow try to blame you for the accident. To prove that they were distracted at the time of the crash, our distracted driving accident attorneys in Houston might have to conduct a comprehensive search for evidence.
Useful evidence that the other driver was breaking Texas distracted driving laws can include:
Did you know that your emotions can actually become a type of distracted driving? It's true. Oftentimes when you experience strong emotions this can influence your decision-making process and cause you to make decisions that you may not have made under normal circumstances.
For example, if you are driving while angry, you may drive more aggressively than you would when you are happy. If you are sad or are crying while driving, this may take your attention away from the road in front of you and make it harder for you to drive defensively.
When avoiding distracted driving, keeping your emotions in check is just as important as putting down your cell phone.
Preventing accidents caused by distracted driving begins on the individual level. Make sure that you are not guilty of being a distracted driver, and hold your friends and family responsible to do the same.
Some basic ways to avoid causing a distracted driving crash include:
If you notice that another driver is swerving or drifting because they are distracted, you may want to call 911 to report the incident, especially if you believe their behavior may lead to an accident. If you do choose to report the driver, you should pull over to the side of the road before placing your call.
You should also be prepared to provide the operator with:
Individuals who violate Texas distracted driving laws may face any of the following consequences:
If their actions result in the injury or death of another individual, the driver may face criminal charges on top of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Dunk Law Firm wants to earn your trust and keep earning it throughout your case if you pick us to be your team of Houston distracted driving accident lawyers.
We do that by continually updating you as your case progresses, checking to make certain you are satisfied with our next steps, and fighting for every penny of compensation as if we were representing ourselves. The ultimate goal is winning your claim as thoroughly as possible, allowing you to get your life back together after a distracted driver threatened your future wellbeing.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, as soon as you can, call (713) 575-1991 or contact us online to get experienced legal guidance.