With much of our world being tied to technology and devices, it is no surprise that texting while driving car accidents in Bartlett and other areas are relatively common. While most people are aware of the dangers of distracted driving, some individuals simply cannot wait and place their lives and the lives of others on the road in danger to check or send a message.
When a texting driver causes you to suffer injuries and losses, an experienced car accident attorney can help you hold them responsible for their reckless actions. Reach out to the Law Office of David E. Gordon today to begin reviewing your legal options.
Texting While Driving Combines the Three Forms of Driving Distractions
Regardless of the type, distractions while driving present many risks. According to accident data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three primary forms of distractions.
- Visual distractions are those that take a motorist’s eyes off the road
- Manual distractions involve a motorist taking their hands off of the wheel
- Cognitive distractions are anything that takes a motorist’s mind off of driving and staying alert to their surroundings
While most distractions fall within one category, texting falls within all three, making it especially dangerous. Attorney David E. Gordon can answer questions and provide more clarity about legal options after a texting-while-driving accident in Bartlett.
Penalties for Texting While Driving
Texting while driving is a primary offense. That means if a police officer sees a motorist using their handheld wireless device to text, they can pull them over and issue a citation.
In addition to being held financially responsible for an accident caused by texting, individuals who text and drive can face criminal penalties, including a Class C misdemeanor on their permanent criminal record, negative driving points, and monetary fines. The fines will increase for each additional offense.
The Tennessee Hands-Free Law
According to the Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-199, traffic laws prohibit anyone driving on the roads and highways within the state from holding or touching a wireless device for any purpose. This includes sending or reading text messages and emails, viewing social media, searching the internet, and similar actions.
There are a few exceptions to this regulations for drivers over 18. The Tennessee Hands-Free Law allows adults to use voice communication, headphones, or earpieces while driving. However, they cannot do anything requiring more than a single swipe or tap. A skilled Bartlett attorney can advise individuals on the specifics of this law in further detail and determine if the motorist who caused their texting while driving accident breached its requirements.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Texting While Operating a Motor Vehicle
Hearing a notification can be tempting, even for those who understand the severity of the issue and its potential risks. There are a few helpful tips to avoid texting until a driver safely reaches their destination and turns off the ignition. These include turning the phone off or putting it on silent while driving, placing the smartphone out of reach while operating the vehicle, and installing an application that prevents texting while driving.
Contact a Bartlett Attorney After a Texting While Driving Car Accident
Civil laws entitle you to seek compensation for your injuries and damages when a thoughtless driver causes a collision because they were texting and driving.
Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon after experiencing a texting while driving car accident in Bartlett. Our team can help you pursue what you need to get back on your feet and set things right.
