Few things are more frightening than spotting a driver who is staring down at their phone or another distraction headed right for you, oblivious to your presence. Distracted driving accidents can be terrifying - and are generally completely preventable. The frustrating thing about car accidents involving an inattentive driver is how easily the at-fault party could have prevented the accident just by paying attention to the road. Distracted driving is not only dangerous, but it may be illegal in certain scenarios. Using a cell phone while driving may earn Texas drivers a ticket except in certain circumstances. If you were injured by a driver who was distracted by their cell phone or any other attention-grabbing stimuli other than the road, they may be financially liable to you for your injuries and other damages. It is generally best to work with an attorney while pursuing compensation for a distracted driving accident. 

Can Texas Drivers Use Cell Phones at All?

Cell phones are a very, very common culprit in distracted driving accidents. While Texas state law allows drivers over the age of 18 to talk on their phones using hands-free technology, some cities and municipalities have enacted their own ordinances prohibiting even this use of a phone. 

Otherwise, drivers in Texas may only use their phones in limited situations. For example, a driver may use their phone while stopped at a red light. Devices may also be used for things like navigation and playing music, if the car itself is not equipped with these integrations. Vehicles with integrated infotainment systems are still relatively new, and there is not yet a significant amount of legislation pertaining to their use. 

Delivery drivers go a long way toward making our lives more convenient. With everyone back to their post-pandemic busy schedules, you may not always have time to physically go to a store to search for the things you need. Using services like Amazon or UPS and FedEx can be much easier than driving around town looking for an item. The same is true for food deliveries - many families do not have the time or energy to cook every night. Parents can simply order dinner from their cell phones rather than loading young children into the car to go to a restaurant. 

However, there is no guarantee that all delivery drivers are as skilled behind the wheel as one would hope. These jobs often have high turnover, and drivers are often forced to make an unreasonable amount of stops in a short time. If you or your child have been injured by a delivery driver, you may be entitled to compensation. 

How Delivery Schedules Create Unsafe Driving Conditions

One of the main reasons that delivery drivers become involved in accidents is that they are always in a rush. National delivery companies often set schedules to which drivers cannot safely adhere. Amazon delivery drivers, as well as those who deliver for companies like DoorDash and GrubHub, are typically independent contractors who are paid per delivery, rather than hourly. This scheme can push drivers to make as many deliveries as possible as quickly as possible. 

Most parents, when asked whether they would allow their teenager to drive a tractor-trailer, would probably answer with a resounding “no.” However, a new law has gone into effect that will allow people as young as 18 years old to drive semi-trucks across state lines. While most states allow some semi-truck operation by those under 21 years old, they have traditionally been restricted from long-haul drives that take them out of the state. The danger associated with these enormous vehicles has many people concerned that the highways could become less safe with the passage of this new law. 

If you are injured in a big rig accident, it is important to seek prompt medical attention and then call an attorney. The sooner your lawyer can start investigating the crash on your behalf, the more likely it is that critical evidence at the scene of the accident will be found and properly documented in time. 

Why Was This Law Passed?

The short answer is that there is a labor shortage across the board, in nearly all industries, including commercial trucking. When trucks are not running because there is no one to drive them, deliveries do not get made, and then you start to see empty shelves at the supermarket. Lawmakers hope to expand the labor force available to drive trucks in order to keep the supply chain moving. 

After a car accident, it may seem like your to-do list is neverending. You may have doctor’s visits, physical therapy appointments, and even counseling appointments, all on top of arranging to have your car repaired or replaced. When a car insurance company calls you about the accident, it may be tempting to simply get the conversation over with as quickly as possible so you can get back to everything else. However, doing so could affect your claim. 

Before you speak with an insurance company, you may want to speak to a lawyer. An attorney who is experienced with car accident cases can protect your interests during any dealings with insurance agents. 

What Should I Keep in Mind When an Insurance Company Calls?

Most people receive a phone call from insurance within a few days of the crash. This is hardly enough time for many accident victims to recuperate from the accident and adequately prepare for the conversation. When insurance calls you about an accident, remember these tips: 

After a car accident, the faster you act, the better. The sooner you start the process of seeking compensation, the more likely it is that needed evidence will be easily located and preserved. However, it is not always possible to act right after a car accident. Delayed injuries may not be easily attributed to the crash for some time, and people under legal disability often cannot file a lawsuit right away. While the statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years in Texas, there are a variety of situations that may extend that limit. If you were hurt in a car accident, whether recently or last year, it may be wise to speak to a qualified attorney when you are able. 

What is the Texas Car Accident Statute of Limitations? 

In Texas, the general rule is that you have two years from the date of the crash to file a complaint with the court. Statutes of limitations serve an important purpose. Years after a car crash, much of the evidence has probably been lost and witnesses have likely forgotten what they saw. Despite this proof problem, there are a few exceptions for special cases where the statute of limitations can be paused, including: 

• Minors - Because minors do not have the legal ability to file a lawsuit on their own behalf immediately, the statute of limitations pauses until they have turned 18 years old. From the date of their 18th birthday, the minor then has two years to initiate a lawsuit. 

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