Bryan, TX Distracted Driving Attorneys

Distracted Driving Accidents in Texas

Anytime a driver focuses his or her attention on anything other than the task of driving, they are putting others at risk. In fact, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents nationwide, including in Texas where distracted driving was responsible for nearly one in five traffic accidents in 2020. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 2,205 people were seriously injured and another 367 died due to distracted driving in 2020 alone.

If you were injured or if someone you love tragically passed away as a result of a distracted driving accident, you deserve justice—and The Payne Law Group can help. Our distracted driving attorneys in Bryan, Texas are prepared to aggressively advocate for you and your rights, including your right to fair compensation for your damages. As your legal team, we will handle every detail of your case so that you can focus on getting back on your feet and moving forward with your life.

Injured by a distracted driver? Contact The Payne Law Group today at (979) 300-7406 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

When most people think of distracted driving, they think of texting and driving. While this is certainly a form of distracted driving—and one of the most common and most dangerous, at that—it is far from the only one.

In fact, there are many examples of distracted driving, most of which can be categorized into the following types:

• Visual Distractions: Visual driving distractions include any activities that cause the driver to take his or her eyes off the road, even if just for a second.
• Manual Distractions: Manual driving distractions are any activities that cause the driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel while driving.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions include thoughts and mental distractions that cause the driver to lose focus on the task of driving.
• Auditory Distractions: Auditory driving distractions include noises and sounds that take the driver’s attention away from the road ahead.

Essentially, anytime a driver’s attention is not entirely focused on driving, he or she is driving while distracted. Any type of distracted driving can be extremely dangerous, as even a second or two of inattention can result in a serious or deadly accident.

Examples of Distracted Driving

All sorts of activities and behaviors can be classified as “distracted driving.”

Some of the most common examples of distracted driving include:

• Using a cellphone or handheld device
• Talking on the phone
• Reading or sending text messages
• Taking pictures or videos
• Browsing the internet or social media
• Reading or sending emails
• Using a GPS or navigational system
• Adjusting vehicle controls, such as the radio or air conditioning
• Using a handheld device to choose or change music
• Talking to passengers in the vehicle
• Tending to children or pets in the backseat
• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Personal grooming, including applying makeup or brushing one’s hair
• Reaching for an item or object in the vehicle
• Driving with headphones on or earbuds in one’s ears
• Looking at billboards, accidents, and other things outside the vehicle
• Daydreaming or thinking about things other than driving

These are just some examples of the many ways in which drivers can be distracted behind the wheel. The best way to prevent accidents and keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe is to refrain from any type of distracted driving. Always give 100 percent of your attention to the road ahead and keep a safe distance from drivers who are driving erratically, drifting in and out of lanes, swerving, braking for no reason, or who otherwise appear distracted.

Proving Liability After a Distracted Driving Accident

It can be difficult to prove that the person who hit you or otherwise caused the accident was distracted. If the other driver was texting or talking on a handheld device when he or she caused the crash, our attorneys can review his or her cellphone records to prove that this was a factor in the accident. However, most other forms of distracted driving provide less concrete evidence—if any—that the driver was distracted and that this was the cause of the crash.

However, at The Payne Law Group, we know how to evaluate claims and determine liability. Our Bryan distracted driving accident attorneys often work with professional accident reconstructionists and other industry experts to obtain powerful evidence on behalf of our clients. We can talk to witnesses who saw what happened, review nearby security camera footage, and review all other available evidence to prove the distracted driver’s liability. We are known for our thorough approach to case preparation, as well as our aggressive litigation and willingness to go to trial whenever necessary.

How a Board-Certified Attorney Can Help

If you or someone you love was involved in a distracted driving accident in Brazos County, turn to the team at The Payne Law Group for the dedicated legal representation you need. All of our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in this area of law, and Attorney Scott Scherr is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction held by only about two percent of all practicing lawyers in the state. To earn this certification, attorneys must demonstrate exceptional competence in their particular area of law, as well as attend various continuing education seminars and trainings. They must also pass a written knowledge test and be evaluated by both fellow attorneys and judges on their knowledge and abilities in personal injury trial law.

In short, a board-certified attorney is recognized as an expert in his or her area of law. When you have been seriously injured and are now facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges due to the negligence of another, you need a highly skilled attorney by your side. You can count on our experience and expertise; at The Payne Law Group, we are committed to helping you fight for the justice you deserve, as well as the fair financial compensation you are owed.

Get started with a free consultation today; call (979) 300-7406 or contact us online to speak to one of our distracted driving accident attorneys in Bryan, Texas.