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Today’s technology allows us to use our handheld devices to keep in touch with friends and family on social media. However, too many Texas drivers continue to use their handheld devices for social media while driving their vehicles, resulting in a shocking number of distracted driving car accident lawsuits.
Distracted Driving and State Law
Texas is one of 47 states that has banned the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.1 In addition to banning cell phone use, the state also prohibits any driver under the age of 18 from using a wireless communication device and prohibits any driver with a learner’s permit to use a handheld cell phone in their first six months of driving a vehicle.2
Why Is Social Media Use Dangerous Behind the Wheel?
The average text message takes about 5 seconds to read and send. However, a social media post is typically longer than a text. If a driver is going 55 mph and reading or sending a text, they will travel about 100 yards in those 5 seconds. Now, imagine that the driver is reading or sending a social media post instead of a text, and the amount of distance that a driver covers grows exponentially.
When distracted from the road by social media, a driver is unable to react as quickly to stop signs and traffic lights as they should. Additionally, because one hand is holding their phone, the distracted driver is controlling their vehicle with only one hand on the steering wheel, rendering them less able to remain in their own lane or swerve in time to avoid obstacles.
What Happens if You’re Involved in a Distracted-Driving-Related Crash?
In 2017, Texas imposed a statewide ban on texting and driving, which doesn’t include social media use. However, more than 90 cities in the state have since passed stricter rules that prohibit cell phone use itself while driving. As a result, if you were involved in a crash where the other driver is liable due to social media use while driving, you can get compensation.
A civil case with a car accident lawyer allows you to sue the distracted driver for damages. Because there are so many statistics to support the fact that social media use while driving is dangerous, the weight of liability will be placed on that driver.
You can also take things a step further and sue the manufacturer of the other driver’s phone. While this may not necessarily get you the damages you seek, lawsuits like this have been filed previously, although their results are still pending.
Call the Experts
When you’ve been involved in an accident due to distracted driving, you shouldn’t have to wait for compensation. Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer & Harris will put our years of experience to work for you. If you’re seeking money for medical bills, lost wages, and suffering, call our vehicle accident law firm for a free consultation and start building your case: (713) 574-5089.
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