Houston Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Houston Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the entire country. When something happens inside or outside of your car that causes you to suddenly stop paying attention to the road ahead of you, it can be considered a distraction. Distractions can result in severe consequences, particularly if you hit another car or a pedestrian. If you are ever involved in a car accident because of a distracted driver, call a Houston distracted driving accident lawyer.

Different Types of Distracted Driving

Essentially, any kind of behavior that causes you to stop focusing on the road ahead can be considered distracted driving behavior. Such behavior has the power to destroy lives, cause rampant property damage, and land distracted drivers in legal trouble. It is important to always stay focused while you are behind the wheel.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main types of distracted driving. All of them are severely detrimental to the driving experience, and engaging in any of them takes away a vital piece of your ability to drive. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle death in the United States. It is important to understand the full scope of distracted driving.

Here are the different types of distracted driving:

• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions occur when something makes you take your eyes off the road ahead of you. The reason why is not important. By looking anywhere but the road in front of you, you are inviting the possibility of an accident. If your attention is elsewhere, the possibility of causing an accident increases considerably.
• Manual Distractions: Manual distractions occur when something makes you take your hands off the steering wheel. The reason why is not important. If something happens inside the vehicle that causes you to take your hands off the steering wheel, you should immediately pull over to the side of the road to handle it. Anytime your hands are off the wheel, it is very dangerous and can result in a serious accident.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions occur when something makes your mind wander, and you are no longer paying close attention to the road around you. Cognitive distractions might be the most dangerous kind of distraction. Daydreaming while behind the wheel of a car can lead to a serious accident and is remarkably dangerous behavior.

Examples of Distracted Behavior

Here are some important examples of behavior behind the wheel that you might engage in all the time, totally unaware that it is very dangerous.

Before deciding to do something dangerous, you may want to reconsider the following behaviors:

• Texting: Texting while driving is illegal in the state of Texas, and for good reason. Texting while you are driving is a very dangerous behavior that can lead to a terrible accident. When you are texting, you are engaging in all three forms of distracted driving. Your eyes are looking down, your hands are on your phone, and your mind is distracted. The consequences could be disastrous.
• Talking on Your Phone: Talking on your cell phone while driving can be just as dangerous as texting. While using a hands-free device is better, it can still be a distraction, but it will keep your hands on the steering wheel.
• Eating and Drinking: Fast food restaurants have drive-thru windows for a reason. The convenience of eating while driving can be considerable, but it also causes you to be distracted. Your focus may be on your meal and not on the road. If you absolutely need to eat in your car, you should pull over to a parking lot or to the shoulder and eat.

Houston Distracted Driving Accident FAQs

Q: How Do Distractions Affect a Driver?

A: There are many ways that distractions can affect a driver. Driving requires considerable focus. You may forget how dangerous your car can be. By looking at distractions or letting your mind wander, you are creating a far more dangerous environment for everyone around you, including yourself. You may miss warning signs, fail to see pedestrians on the road, drift into other lanes or even into oncoming traffic, or lose control of the vehicle.

Q: What Kind of Distracted Driving Contributes to an Accident?

A: Essentially, all kinds of distracted driving have the potential to contribute to an accident in Houston, but it depends on the driver and the nature of the accident. Sometimes, all it takes is a poorly-timed text or a bite of a sandwich to take your eyes off the road for just the right amount of time for an accident to occur. It is good practice to avoid distractions at all costs and drive with your eyes on the road.

Q: What Counts as Distracted Driving?

A: Any behavior that causes you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off the act of driving can be considered distracted behavior. This includes talking or texting on the phone, eating and drinking, applying makeup, adjusting the radio, having conversations with passengers, adjusting your GPS, reading, or engaging in road rage.

Q: How Many Injuries Does Distracted Driving Cause?

A: Distracted driving is responsible for many injuries and deaths every year. According to some sources, over 3,500 people were killed as a result of distracted driving in 2021 alone, with another 360,000 people injured. Distracted driving is something that needs to be taken very seriously. If you are in an accident because of distracted driving, you should reach out to an attorney to get started on a claim.

Reach Out to a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Today

When you are in a car accident, it can be a truly traumatic experience. It can be equally infuriating to find out the only reason you were in a car accident in the first place is because the at-fault driver was answering a text. Seeking legal help to hold distracted drivers accountable can be a good start in your healing journey.

The legal team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help you establish a strong case, search for evidence, and speak with insurance companies. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.