A distracted driver can turn an ordinary drive through Weslaco into a life-changing event. Looking down at a phone, reaching for something in the vehicle, adjusting a device, or getting distracted by passengers can pull a driver’s attention from the road at the worst moment.

When that distraction causes a collision, the consequences can be severe. An injured person may face emergency medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle damage, rehabilitation, and uncertainty about the future.

At Anderson Alexander, also known as A2X, we represent individuals throughout Texas who have suffered serious injuries because of negligence or other wrongful conduct. Our experienced trial lawyers provide assertive, hands-on representation to people and families dealing with serious personal injury and wrongful death. For clients in Weslaco and the surrounding Rio Grande Valley, we work to uncover what caused the crash and pursue accountability when another driver’s negligence caused harm.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs when a driver directs attention away from the task of safely operating a vehicle. While texting and cellphone use are commonly associated with distraction, they are not the only potential sources.

A driver can become distracted by:

• Reading or sending text messages
• Looking at a cellphone
• Using social media
• Adjusting a navigation system
• Eating or drinking
• Reaching for objects
• Talking with passengers
• Looking away from traffic
• Adjusting music or other controls
• Other activities that take attention away from driving

The specific cause of distraction can matter when investigating a collision. We examine the circumstances rather than simply assuming what happened.

A Moment of Distraction Can Have Serious Consequences

Driving requires constant attention. Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from noticing a stopped vehicle, pedestrian, traffic signal, changing roadway conditions, or another hazard.

A distracted driver may:

• Fail to stop in time
• Drift into another lane
• Rear-end another vehicle
• Strike a pedestrian or cyclist
• Cause a head-on collision
• Run a red light or stop sign
• Make an unsafe turn
• Collide with a motorcycle

The resulting injuries can range from relatively minor trauma to catastrophic or fatal injuries. When a distracted driving accident causes serious harm, understanding how the crash occurred can be essential to pursuing a claim.

Proving That Distraction Contributed to the Accident

One challenge in a distracted driving case is establishing what the driver was doing immediately before the collision.

A driver may deny being distracted, or no witness may have seen the driver’s actions. That does not necessarily mean evidence is unavailable.

Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may consider accident reports, photographs, witness statements, available video, vehicle information, cellphone-related evidence, and other records.

We review the available evidence to better understand what happened. Our attorneys understand that proving negligence requires more than simply believing that a driver was distracted. The facts and evidence need to support the claim.

The Injured Person May Face More Than Medical Bills

After a distracted driver causes a serious accident, medical treatment may become the immediate priority. But the consequences can extend far beyond the emergency room.

An injured person may need:

• Emergency medical care
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Prescription medication
• Follow-up treatment
• Ongoing medical care

At the same time, an injured person may be unable to work and lose income.

Some injuries can also affect a person’s ability to perform ordinary activities, care for family members, or return to the lifestyle they had before the accident. We consider the broader consequences of serious injuries when evaluating a potential personal injury claim.

Head and Brain Injuries Can Be Difficult to Recognize

A distracted driver accident can result in a powerful impact, even when the vehicles do not appear severely damaged.

Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries can be particularly challenging because symptoms may not always be immediately obvious. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may experience headaches, confusion, memory problems, dizziness, or other symptoms.

Any potential brain injury should be taken seriously and evaluated by appropriate medical professionals. From a legal standpoint, we understand that the full extent of an injury may not be clear during the first few days after a crash. That is one reason why rushing to resolve a serious claim can be problematic.

Insurance Companies May Dispute Liability

After a crash, an insurance company may investigate what happened and determine how it believes the claim should be handled. If distracted driving is disputed, the insurer may question whether the other driver was actually negligent or whether the injured person contributed to the accident.

We understand the pressure that can come with dealing with insurance companies while recovering from an injury.

Our role is to investigate the circumstances, evaluate the available evidence, and advocate for our client’s interests. We work to ensure that important facts are not overlooked simply because an insurer wants to minimize its exposure.

Contact A2X Today

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of a distracted driver in Weslaco, do not assume that the circumstances of the crash will speak for themselves. Important evidence may need to be identified, and liability may need to be established.

At Anderson Alexander, our experienced trial lawyers provide assertive, hands-on representation to individuals and families dealing with serious injuries and wrongful death. We investigate distracted driving accidents, examine the evidence, and work to hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable.

If you are facing medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries, or other consequences after a distracted driving crash, contact A2X today. Reach out to our Weslaco distracted driver accident lawyers to discuss your circumstances, learn about your potential legal options, and take the next step toward pursuing justice.