Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Galveston, TX
As our society becomes increasingly dependent on cell phones, so does the number of distracted driving accidents. In areas of highly concentrated traffic, notably I-45, which offers main island access, 61st Street, and Broadway Street, distracted driving is a particularly dangerous threat. When a driver engages in any behavior that takes their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road, accidents can occur. A Galveston distracted driving accident lawyer can protect your rights.
Trust the Team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, a Galveston car accident lawyer is here to provide you and your injured loved ones with the compassionate legal representation you deserve when seeking personal injury damages.
Car accidents are one of the most prevalent causes of injury across the United States, and it is important to have an experienced and dedicated attorney on your side who can act as your legal guide through this complicated and often difficult process.
The founder of our law firm, Tad Nelson, is not only a native Texan but was born in Galveston. He and his team have been involved in the local community for years and are proud to serve those facing difficult legal matters on the island. Tad Nelson has been honored with a Super Lawyer designation for over 10 consecutive years and is passionate about bringing that level of excellence to every case our firm handles.
We don’t just aim for “favorable outcome,” but rather we work to educate, guide, and advocate for our clients in order to achieve the most optimal results. While our past results do not necessarily guarantee a future outcome, we are here to do everything in our power to protect your rights to damage recovery and secure the compensation and justice you deserve after a personal injury accident.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving in Galveston, Texas?
Across the United States, distracted driving is a serious issue. In fact, around 28.9% of all crashes are linked to distracted driving, and phone usage is the leading cause behind driver distraction. In fact, according to one study, texting and driving shortens a driver’s response time by the same amount as that shortened when an individual consumes four beers in a single hour, making texting and driving more dangerous than intoxication.
While texting or phone usage is the most widely recognized form of distracted driving — nearly 34% of crashes detected occur one minute prior to a phone being in the at-fault driver’s hands — it is not the only cause. Whenever something takes a driver’s attention from the road, it can be considered a distraction and lead to a crash. There are three main categories of distraction that can happen on Galveston roadways. These include:
- Manual. This can include any kind of behavior that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, such as eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or temperature controls, or reaching for something inside the vehicle.
- Cognitive. This can include engaging in any behavior that takes the mind off the task of driving, including daydreaming, mental or physical fatigue, or interacting and talking with other passengers inside the vehicle.
- Visual. These distractions are anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road in front of them, such as checking the GPS, reading a text message, or scrolling through social media.
According to a study put out in 2024 from the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly one in five crashes on state roadways were caused by a distracted driver, killing 373 individuals and seriously injuring another 2,587.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to distracted driving, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates are here to serve you and help you on the road to recovery. Securing the compensation you deserve is our number one goal.
Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents
When you are hit by a distracted driver in Galveston, the resulting injuries and other damages have the potential to be catastrophic and even life-threatening. Should you find yourself suffering injuries, it is imperative that you get medical attention right away. Not only can such an action possibly save your life, but it can also help protect the viability of a future legal claim.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we have handled hundreds of car accident cases throughout our years of service and have helped victims recover compensation after sustaining the following types of injury:
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Lost or crushed limbs, possible amputations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage, which could lead to partial or complete paralysis
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Injuries to soft tissues
- Internal injuries, such as damage to organs and nerves, as well as internal bleeding
- Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder
- Loss of vision, facial and eye injuries
- Wrongful death
Whatever injury you or a loved one has suffered, an experienced Galveston car accident attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is dedicated to securing the compensation you need in order to recover without the financial burden that often accompanies injuries.
Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover
When a car accident is caused by a distracted driver in Galveston, you are likely eligible to recover certain forms of damages. The damages that apply to your situation will depend on the circumstances of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and the exact actions of the distracted driver. These damages typically include:
- Economic damages. These damages work to cover losses you have sustained due to the accident that have made a direct impact on your personal finances. Common economic damages typically include lost wages, medical expenses, future medical costs, property damage, and a decrease in your earning capabilities.
- Non-economic damages. These damages cover losses that are more abstract or intangible but are still just as devastating. These damages include any permanent disability you may suffer, pain and suffering, mental anguish or emotional distress, loss of consortium, and a diminished quality of life.
- Punitive damages. While these damages are rarely awarded, when they do become involved in a personal injury case, they can offer a large value to your overall claim. These damages are typically awarded in cases where the liable party has acted in a particularly egregious or negligent manner or carried out their distraction with the intent of causing a victim harm. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we are here to review your case, determine liability, and help calculate the full and fair amount of compensation you are owed after suffering in a Galveston distracted driving accident.
FAQs
Q: Who Can Be Held Liable for a Distracted Driving Accident in Texas?
A: In Texas, the party most apt to be held liable for the distracted driving accident and the injuries or other damages that occur as a result is the distracted driver themselves. However, in certain cases, there may be other additional liable parties. These might include the driver’s employer if they were working at the time the accident occurred, the actual owner of the vehicle, and a rideshare company, if the driver was on duty during the accident.
Q: What Should I Do Following a Distracted Driving Accident?
A: Following a distracted driving accident in Galveston, if you are physically capable, there are several actions that should be taken. First, it is important that you call 911 and report the crash. Even if your injuries appear minor, you still need to seek medical attention, as there is always a chance that you may be suffering from invisible injuries. You should also gather evidence, such as photos of the accident and your injuries, and the at-fault party’s contact information.
Q: What Is the Texas Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Claims?
A: The Texas statute of limitations on personal injury claims is currently at two years from the date of injury. This means that you have two years from the day your distracted driving injury takes place to file your official personal injury claim; your case can be dismissed, and you will be unable to recover compensation. For this reason, and many others, hiring an attorney as soon as possible is critical.
Q: What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Distracted Driving?
A: There are many different types of accidents that are caused by distracted driving in Texas. A distracted driving attorney is here to help you recover compensation in accidents like rear-end collisions, crashes taking place in an intersection, highway accidents, head-on collisions, T-bone or side-swipe accidents, and all other accidents caused by driver inattention.
Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Galveston Today
Distracted driving accidents are becoming increasingly common, but that doesn’t make the aftermath any easier. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, you need to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer as quickly as possible. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we are here to serve you. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation with our experienced team.