The greater Houston area boasts a myriad of crowded highways and roadways, and serious truck and car crashes occur on a daily basis. Sadly, many of these accidents could be avoided if drivers would be more careful and pay closer attention to the roadway in front of them while driving.
In order to prevail in a car or truck accident case, you, as a plaintiff, must demonstrate that the defendant driver failed to act within the standard of care of a reasonable person. The following types of negligent driving are the most likely to cause Houston car and truck accidents:
Driving a Motor Vehicle While Distracted
Texas law does not prohibit cell phone use for all drivers across the board. However, the law does impose some restrictions upon certain classes of motorists, including the following:
- Drivers operating a motor vehicle with a learner’s permit for 6 months or less
- Driver who are under the age of 18
- Drivers who are operating a school bus while children are present
- Drivers in school zones (including prohibitions on texting and using handheld electronic devices)
Some local governments in Texas expand upon these restrictions and have additional regulations on the books which may prohibit drivers from sending text messages or reading data from a handheld wireless device while behind the wheel of a car.
Disobeying or Disregarding Traffic Signals, Signs, and Roadway Markings
All roadway signs and signals, including traffic signals, railroad crossing signals, stop signs, and speed limit signs, among others, are signs of life which are intended to let drivers know of an impending danger. When drivers willfully disregard these signs of life while driving, the results can be catastrophic.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving typically means operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving affects a driver’s reaction time, thereby limiting his or her ability to drive safely, creating a hazardous condition for all other drivers present on the roadway.
Contact a Houston Car and Truck Crash Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been injured in a Houston car or truck accident, you need qualified legal representation at every stage of your case. An experienced Houston car or truck crash attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you to obtain the best possible settlement or trial verdict.
To schedule a free case evaluation with Houston car accident lawyer Stewart J. Guss, call our office today at 800-898-4877 or contact us online.
1 http://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/cellphones.html
2 http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.49.htm
