Galveston Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Galveston Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents, including along the Gulf Freeway in Galveston. If you’re involved in a distracted driving incident, you may consider hiring a Galveston distracted driving accident lawyer to sort through the evidence of your case and pursue the most positive outcome possible.

Why Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer?

The law firm of Stevenson & Murray in Galveston has decades of experience in distracted driving cases. They have an impressive record of winning jury trials and recovering settlements for their clients. They approach their cases with personal attention and care, without sacrificing the resources of bigger firms. They are dedicated to fighting for you in your distracted driving case.

Distracted Driving Laws in Galveston

Traffic accidents are common everywhere, and Galveston’s Gulf Freeway and city roads are no exception. In 2024, statewide, there was one reportable crash every 57 seconds. To combat these numbers, state traffic laws prohibit any activity that distracts you from following traffic laws and driving defensively.

Specifically mentioned in state traffic laws is Texas Statute 545.4251, which addresses distracted driving and cell phone usage. Any use of your cell phone, other than for navigation or with the help of a hands-free system, is illegal

Penalties for Distracted Driving

If you choose to drive while distracted and end up causing a car accident, you will face penalties. First-time offenders may face a fine between $25 and $99. However, the more offenses, the higher the penalties, with repeated offenders looking at fines of $100 to $200.

An additional consequence for distracted driving may be added points on your license. Texas uses a point system for its drivers: traffic violations add points to your license; the more points you have on your license, the heavier the penalty. Aside from any legal charges and fines you may be faced with, some common penalties under the point system are:

• Surcharges
• Increased insurance premiums
• License suspension or revocation

Having your license suspended may be imposed for particularly egregious traffic violations or repeated offenses. It is also meant to stop the person from driving legally. If they choose to drive while their license is suspended, they are subject to additional legal issues.

Young Drivers

In Galveston, anyone younger than 18 is prohibited from using any handheld device, and along with fines, they may face additional penalties, like delays in getting their license or moving from a learner’s permit to a standard license.

School Zones

There are enhanced penalties for distracted driving while in a school zone. You may face additional fines or higher fines and be required to complete a driver safety course. This is available online or in person at a local Galveston driving school that offers the course, like Island Driving School.

Serious Accidents

If distracted driving causes a more serious accident, you may face even more serious consequences and even criminal charges, like Intoxication Assault or Manslaughter. These are felonies that may come with jail time, loss of your license, or heavy fines. In these cases, it can be especially important to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer.

Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers face even stricter regulations related to distracted driving. These stricter regulations come with higher penalties if violated. One of the most difficult repercussions for career commercial drivers is being disqualified from driving any commercial vehicles.

Proving Negligence in a Distracted Driving Case

If you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you must prove their negligence to win your case. One reason distracted driving cases can be difficult to win is that a driver can deny driving distracted or being negligent. Without solid evidence, receiving a settlement can be difficult. Hiring a distracted driving attorney can help gather the evidence you need and improve your chances.

Some pieces of evidence to be sure to gather are:

• Cell phone records (to show activity at the time of the crash)
• Traffic camera footage (common along the Gulf Freeway and throughout Galveston)
• Witness statements
• Dash cam footage
• Outside expert testimony
• Police records

FAQs

What Are the Distracted Driving Laws in Galveston?

Distracted driving laws in Galveston prohibit any form of distracted driving, defining “distracted driving” as any activity that prevents you from safely operating a vehicle. Specifically mentioned throughout state distracted driving laws is the use of handheld devices, particularly cell phones, which is prohibited. It also identifies penalties you may face, like fines, probation, license suspension, and more.

What Can a Driver Be Liable For if They Cause a Crash Due to Distracted Driving in Galveston?

Someone who causes a crash due to distracted driving may be liable for damages suffered by the other party. This may include the cost of medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If a distracted driving accident happens and causes serious injury or death, you may also receive criminal charges resulting in jail time, a permanent criminal record, or probation.

What Does Texas Statute 545.4251 Say?

Texas Statute 545.4251 prohibits the use of portable wireless communications devices for electronic messaging while driving. This is a component of Texas’s distracted driving laws. Using a hands-free system with your wireless device or using it for GPS or navigation purposes are acceptable ways to use your device under the statute

What Are Some Types of Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving doesn’t only refer to using your cell phone. It can also be:

• Interacting with other passengers or pets
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Reaching for a dropped item, either in the front or back seat
• Adjusting settings, like the radio or climate control
• Focusing too much on a GPS or navigation system
• Personal grooming

Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer From Stevenson & Murray

Distracted driving accidents are common, but that doesn’t make them any easier to manage for drivers. Stevenson & Murray in Galveston can take over and work towards getting you a full settlement. Discuss your distracted driving accident with us by scheduling a consultation today to learn how we can help with your case.