Accidentes de tráfico
Distracted driving can be a big problem, though it is difficult to track how many incidents are distracted driving-related.
In the U.S. in 2018, over 2,800 people were killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
La conducción distraída es cualquier cosa que desvía la atención del conductor de la carretera. Las nuevas leyes sobre teléfonos móviles en Texas se han estructurado para minimizar el riesgo de conducción distraída en todo el estado.
Hurt By A Distracted Driver?
You Shouldn’t Have To Prove What The Other Driver Was Doing On Their Phone Alone
After a crash, it can feel like your word against theirs. Our team knows where phone-use evidence lives, from crash reports and witness accounts to records that only surface through a formal request, and we move quickly to protect it. Tell us what happened. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation.
Schedule A Free ConsultationWhat Is the Texas Hands Free Law?
Most states now have some form of a hands free law. In accordance with Texas law, drivers must utilize hands free technology when using their phones while driving. This includes Bluetooth headsets or speakerphones, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and maintain focus on the road while making calls or sending messages.
Es ilegal enviar mensajes de texto, correos electrónicos, tweets o mensajes mientras se conduce un vehículo de motor.
La pena por enviar mensajes de texto mientras se conduce es una multa de 99 dólares por la primera infracción, y cualquier infracción posterior dará lugar a una multa de 200 dólares.
Fines can increase substantially if the driver causes an accident while distracted driving.
Texas Hands Free Law After A Crash: What Injured Drivers Should Know
The Texas hands free law and related cell phone rules do more than set fines. When a driver breaks them and causes a wreck, the violation can shape your injury claim.
- Texting while driving has been illegal statewide since September 1, 2017, under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.4251, so proof a driver was texting can support a negligence claim.
- Stricter phone rules apply to drivers under 18, school bus drivers carrying minors, and drivers in active school zones, and a violation in one of those settings can strengthen evidence of fault.
- Texas uses a proportionate responsibility rule: you can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault, and your award drops by your share of blame, so phone-use evidence against the other driver matters.
- Most Texas personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash, and phone records, video, and witness memories are far easier to secure early.
New Texas Cell Phone Law
Texting and driving in Texas has been illegal since 2017 according to Texas Transportation Code Section 545.4251, but the use of a cell phone is not completely prohibited.
Muchas personas utilizan sus teléfonos móviles para navegar o reproducir música mientras conducen, así como para hacer llamadas telefónicas.
Here are some important Texas cell phone driving laws that you should know:
1. Texting While Driving
En Texas no se pueden enviar ni recibir mensajes de texto mientras se conduce, pero sí se puede utilizar el sistema de navegación. Si un agente de la ley sospecha que estás enviando mensajes de texto mientras conduces, puede pararte.
Por lo tanto, es mejor tener toda la navegación y la música configuradas antes de poner el vehículo en movimiento.
2. New Drivers
Los nuevos conductores de Texas no pueden utilizar teléfonos móviles en absoluto. Esta ley se extiende durante los primeros seis meses de conducción e incluye todas las formas de uso del teléfono celular.
Las estadísticas muestran que el mayor porcentaje de conductores distraídos se encuentra en la franja de edad de 15 a 19 años.
3. Drivers Under 18
After the six-month probationary period, cell phones can be used. Hand-held devices are not allowed until a driver is over the age of 18. All cell phone use must be hands free in Texas until then.
4. School Zones
El uso de un dispositivo portátil mientras se conduce en una zona escolar o en la propiedad de una escuela pública está prohibido cuando las velocidades reducidas están en vigor.
5. School Bus Drivers
Si hay niños en el autobús, el conductor no puede utilizar el teléfono móvil. Un autobús lleno de niños ya distrae bastante por sí solo.
Excepción a la Ley de Texas sobre la conducción por teléfono móvil
El uso de un teléfono móvil durante una situación de emergencia no supondrá una multa para el conductor. El conductor también puede utilizar su teléfono móvil para ponerse en contacto con las fuerzas del orden.
A pesar de la excepción, la mejor práctica es salirse de la carretera antes de realizar la llamada.
Don’t Let The Insurance Company Rewrite How Your Crash Happened
Even when a driver was texting or holding a phone, their insurer may still try to shift blame onto you, and under Texas fault rules that can shrink what you recover. Michael Zimmerman and our team can help document the distraction, handle the adjuster, and push for fair compensation while you focus on healing.
Schedule A Free ConsultationIs it illegal to hold a phone while driving in Texas?
In Texas, holding a phone while driving is generally illegal in certain areas and circumstances. Texas law bans the use of handheld devices in school zones, and drivers under 18 cannot use any mobile devices while driving. For adult drivers, hands free options are allowed, but holding a phone while driving is discouraged for safety.
Is Texas a Hands Free State?
Texas does not have a complete hands free law, but using a phone while driving is restricted. Drivers must use hands free technology (like Bluetooth) for calls or messaging. Holding a phone while driving in certain areas, such as school zones, is illegal
Is Texting and Driving Illegal in Texas?
Texas made texting while driving illegal on September 1, 2017. The law prohibits drivers from using a smartphone to read, write, or engage in any activity while driving.
Hurt by a Driver Ignoring the Hands Free Law in Texas? Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Injuries caused by a distracted driver disobeying the new Texas cell phone driving laws are compensable. Every driver has the duty to drive with care and obey the laws.
Texas es un estado "culpable", lo que significa que el conductor culpable (o su compañía de seguros) es financieramente responsable de compensar a la parte lesionada.
Los detalles de su accidente y su representación legal pueden tener un gran impacto en su acuerdo de lesiones personales.
The Texas car accident lawyers at The Zimmerman Law Firm understand the importance of conducting a comprehensive investigation of your accident and careful documentation of your claim.
Podemos ayudarle a entender lo que vale su reclamación y negociaremos para conseguirle todo lo que se merece. Póngase en contacto con nosotros para programar la revisión gratuita de su caso.
Injured By A Driver Breaking Texas Cell Phone Law? Find Our Nearest Office
Distracted driving evidence is easier to secure when your legal team can move fast. The Zimmerman Law Firm has five offices across Central Texas. Pick the one closest to you on the map or in the list below.
Was the other driver on their phone when you were hurt?
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Michael Zimmerman
Michael nació en Houston, Texas. Estudió en las universidades de Baylor y Texas State, donde se licenció en Ciencias en 1987. Se especializó en Biología y en Química. Terminó su educación legal en Texas Southern University en 1990, obteniendo un Doctorado en Derecho de la Escuela de Derecho Thurgood Marshall. Fue admitido en el Colegio de Abogados del Estado de Texas en 1990.