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Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Dallas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

It only takes a second of distraction for everything to change. A text, a phone call, or a glance away from the road can lead to life-changing injuries for everyone involved. Your Dallas distracted driving accident lawyer with Goff Law, PLLC has seen how these crashes unfold and how difficult it can be to recover. Your Dallas car accident attorney knows how quickly the days after a crash fill up with questions, bills, and stress. Our firm was selected for inclusion in the Top 40 under 40 because we combine strong legal results with the kind of personal attention people remember. We will help you understand how these crashes happen, what your rights look like, and what steps to take when the insurance company does not treat you fairly. If this sounds all too familiar, please reach out and talk with us directly.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Texas?

Distracted driving is one of the most common, and preventable, causes of crashes across the Dallas area. Even a quick glance at a screen or reaching into the passenger seat can cause a driver to miss a red light or fail to notice someone in the crosswalk. These moments may feel small, but they can have big consequences.

Types of Distractions That Lead to Crashes

Distraction takes many forms, and some are so common that drivers barely think about them. Texting, taking a call, eating behind the wheel, changing the radio, and entering an address into a GPS system are just a few examples. These are not unusual behaviors, but they are risky when someone is responsible for a moving vehicle. Dallas traffic leaves little room for error. Even a quick second of distraction can result in rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or drivers rolling through intersections without stopping. These types of mistakes can cause real harm, especially at busy intersections or in residential areas with foot traffic.

How Texas Law Addresses Driver Distraction

Texas law makes it clear that texting while driving is not allowed. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, drivers are prohibited from reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while their vehicle is in motion. These rules apply statewide and are especially important in cities like Dallas where traffic moves fast and distractions are everywhere. Penalties for distracted driving may include fines, license points, or enhanced charges if someone is seriously injured. These violations can also be used as evidence in civil claims. Your car accident attorney in Dallas from Goff Law, PLLC will review what led up to the crash and help you understand how distracted driving could affect your compensation.

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The Most Common Consequences of Distracted Driving Accidents

When someone is not paying attention behind the wheel, the impact can ripple through every part of a person’s life. These crashes are common in Dallas traffic, and they often leave people facing painful injuries, damaged property, and weeks of uncertainty. In some cases, the driver was also intoxicated or had already caused crashes before. Here are some of the most common outcomes we see after a distracted driving accident in Dallas:

  • Broken bones and severe internal injuries
  • Head trauma or brain injuries that affect memory, speech, personality, or mood regulation
  • Emergency responders called to crash scenes across the city
  • Property damage to vehicles, fences, signs, or storefronts
  • Long hospital stays and ongoing medical appointments
  • Accidents caused by drivers who were texting and drinking
  • Fatalities involving pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers
  • Uninsured drivers who cannot cover the damage they caused
  • Repeat offenders who have been cited before for careless driving
  • Crashes involving children or elderly passengers with higher risk of serious injury 

 

Every distracted driving case tells a different story, but the consequences often run deeper than people expect. Your Dallas personal injury lawyer will take the time to understand how this crash changed your routines, your income, and your physical well-being. If the driver was texting, drinking, or acting recklessly, a distracted driving accident lawyer in Dallas may seek additional damages under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.001.

1 Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Dallas, TX

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Distracted Driving Crash

It is easy to assume that the driver who caused the crash is the only one at fault. In many cases, there are other people or companies involved who played a part. Some drivers are following instructions from their employer, while others may be distracted by work-related messages or company devices.

In most distracted driving crashes, the driver who was not paying attention carries most of the blame. However, Texas uses a comparative fault system, which means more than one person can be held financially responsible. If another driver was speeding, following too closely, or making an unsafe turn, that could also factor into the final decision.
When fault is shared, your potential compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, you cannot recover damages if you are found more than 50% at fault. These rules make it important to work with someone who understands how fault is assigned and how insurance companies may try to shift blame around.

Sometimes, the distracted driver is behind the wheel for work. They might be making deliveries, answering a message from a supervisor, or handling job-related tasks while driving. When that happens, the company that hired them may also share responsibility for the crash. Your Dallas truck accident lawyer with Goff Law, PLLC has seen how commercial vehicle cases can unfold, especially when drivers are rushing between stops or using company phones. If the crash involved a work truck or someone driving on the job, we will take a closer look at whether the employer’s actions played a part. These cases are different from everyday accidents and may involve stronger insurance coverage or additional evidence.

When a driver is distracted, their reaction time often slows or disappears altogether. That delay can turn a close call into a full-speed collision. Your Dallas personal injury lawyer understands how these crashes can cause serious damage, even when the vehicles involved are not moving fast. Here are some of the injuries we often see in distracted driving crashes:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
  • Broken ribs, legs, arms, or hips
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Facial fractures or dental injuries from airbags or impacts
  • Lacerations from shattered glass
  • Severe burns in high-speed collisions
  • Pedestrian injuries involving neck or back trauma
  • Injuries made worse by not wearing a seatbelt
  • Psychological trauma and post-crash anxiety 

These injuries are often more serious than they seem at first. Some symptoms, like headaches, memory issues, or internal pain, may not appear until days or even weeks after the crash. Goff Law, PLLC will pay close attention to how your condition develops over time. A distracted driving accident lawyer in Dallas can also help you document these impacts clearly and push for the full amount you deserve.

Some injuries continue to cause problems long after the crash. You may still be in pain, adjusting your routine, or dealing with physical limitations that make daily tasks harder. These impacts are especially common after high-speed collisions or rear-end crashes.

Injuries like broken bones, spinal damage, and joint trauma often require physical therapy and ongoing care. You may need assistance with tasks that used to feel easy, such as driving, lifting, or walking for long periods. Some people also develop chronic pain that affects how they sleep or move. Your Dallas catastrophic injury lawyer with Goff Law, PLLC understands that emotional effects like anxiety, panic in traffic, and sleep problems are common after serious crashes. These symptoms are often linked to trauma and can interfere with recovery. Documenting these issues early can help connect them clearly to the accident.

Injuries from distracted driving accidents often affect your ability to earn a living. You may have missed time from work or had to reduce your hours to attend medical appointments. In some cases, returning to your previous job may not be possible due to physical limitations. Your Dallas distracted driving accident attorney will assess how the crash has affected your wages, employment options, and future earning potential. These financial losses are a key part of your claim and need to be supported by clear evidence. We use medical records, pay stubs, and expert evaluations to help explain the full cost of your injury.

Get Help From Your Dallas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer