A Quick Glance Can Cost You More Than You Think
You’re at a red light, your phone buzzes, and instinctively you reach for it—just a quick glance, right? In Texas, that seemingly harmless moment can lead to serious consequences. Texting and driving is not just dangerous—it’s illegal statewide, and the law is enforced more strictly than many drivers realize.
Texas Law: What’s Actually Illegal?
Texas officially banned texting while driving in 2017, making it unlawful for drivers to read, write, or send electronic messages while operating a motor vehicle. This applies whether you’re scrolling through messages, replying to a text, or even checking notifications. The law was designed to reduce distracted driving accidents, which continue to be one of the leading causes of crashes on Texas roads.
Local Rules May Be Even Stricter
The restrictions don’t stop at the state level. In many cities across Texas, local ordinances go even further, prohibiting any handheld phone use while driving. That means even holding your phone to check directions or make a call could put you at risk of a citation depending on where you are.
Stricter Laws for Younger Drivers
For younger drivers, the rules are even tighter. Drivers under the age of 18 are completely banned from using wireless communication devices while behind the wheel—no exceptions for texting, calling, or app usage.
What Are the Penalties?
The penalties for texting and driving can add up quickly. A first offense may result in a fine, but repeat violations carry steeper consequences. If texting while driving leads to an accident involving injury or death, it can escalate to criminal charges, including significant fines and even potential jail time.
The Real Cost: More Than Just a Ticket
Beyond fines and legal trouble, the true cost of distracted driving can be life-changing. A few seconds of inattention can result in serious injuries, long-term medical issues, or worse. The emotional and financial toll of an accident often far outweighs any temporary distraction.
Are There Any Legal Ways to Use Your Phone?
Texas law does allow for hands-free use, such as Bluetooth or voice commands. However, the safest option is always to pull over before using your phone. Even hands-free technology can take your focus off the road.
Stay Focused. Stay Safe.
At the end of the day, this law exists for a reason. Staying focused behind the wheel isn’t just about avoiding a ticket—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. No message is worth risking a life.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
