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Driving While Distracted Dallas

A distracted driving accident can leave you facing serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. One moment you are heading to work, traveling through Uptown, or returning home from Deep Ellum. Next, you are dealing with the aftermath of a crash caused by a driver who was texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in Dallas. Drivers who text, use navigation apps, eat, apply makeup, or engage in other distracting activities put everyone on the road at risk. Texas law prohibits texting while driving, and Dallas has additional local restrictions on phone use behind the wheel. When drivers violate these laws and cause crashes, they can be held accountable for the harm they cause.

At Frenkel & Frenkel, our Dallas distracted driving accident lawyers understand how to investigate cell phone use and prove driver negligence. We know how to subpoena phone records, obtain witness statements, analyze crash data, and identify all available sources of compensation. We fight for injured clients when insurance companies try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims. Our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial because insurance companies know which law firms are willing to go to court and which are not.

If you or a loved one was injured in a distracted driving accident in Dallas, contact us for a free consultation. We handle distracted driving accident claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Quick Answer

Do I need a lawyer after a distracted driving accident in Dallas?

Yes — and time matters. Insurance companies work immediately to minimize your claim and dispute that the driver was distracted. You need an attorney who moves just as fast. Frenkel & Frenkel investigates the crash, subpoenas cell phone records, identifies every liable party, and handles the insurance companies — so you can focus on recovering. You pay nothing unless we win.

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How do you know if you have a distracted driving accident case?

You may have a distracted driving accident case if a driver hurt you while they were texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road. The key question is simple: Was the driver distracted at the time of the crash?
There are a few things to consider. Was the driver on their phone? Were they texting, using GPS, or checking social media? Did witnesses see them distracted? Does the crash pattern suggest inattention (rear-end collision, drifting out of lane, running a red light)? If you answer yes to any of these, you could have a valid claim.
Texas law allows injured people to hold negligent drivers responsible. This may include the at-fault driver, their employer (if they were working), or their insurance company. You do not have to figure this out on your own. A lawyer can review your situation and help you understand your options.
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Helpful Information

What should you do after a distracted driving accident injures you?

our health comes first. Get medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor. Some injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage take time to show up.

After that, try to preserve evidence from the accident scene. Take photos of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, traffic signals, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. If you saw the other driver on their phone, note that immediately. Get the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the driver distracted.

Write down what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Note the date, time, location, and exactly what you saw. Was the driver looking at their phone? Did they drift out of their lane? Did they fail to brake in time? This information could be important later.

Then, talk to a distracted driving accident lawyer. There is a time limit to file a claim in Dallas. In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury. Acting sooner may help protect your rights and preserve critical evidence like cell phone records before they are harder to obtain.

WHEN A CRASH CHANGES YOUR LIFE, WE FIGHT BACK.

If a texting or distracted driver hurt you, we are ready to listen. Contact us today for a free case review.

How long does a distracted driving accident case take?

Every case is different. Some cases settle in a few months. Others may take a year or more, depending on how complex they are.

A few things can affect the timeline. How serious are your injuries? Are the cell phone records clear or are they being contested? Is the insurance company disputing that the driver was distracted? Do we need accident reconstruction experts to prove the driver wasn’t paying attention? These factors all play a role.

Our team works to move cases forward as quickly as possible. At the same time, we do not rush into a settlement that may not be fair. We keep you updated along the way so you always know where things stand.

Can you file a claim if you were a passenger in the car that was hit?

Yes, absolutely. Texas personal injury law allows passengers to file claims against the at-fault driver, even if you were riding in a vehicle driven by a family member or friend. If you were injured by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek compensation.

What matters most is that the other driver was negligent and that their distraction caused your injury. A lawyer can look at the facts of your case and help you figure out the best path forward.

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Quick Answer

Can I recover more compensation if multiple parties caused my distracted driving accident?

Potentially yes. Each liable party may carry their own insurance policy. Identifying multiple defendants — such as the distracted driver, their employer, and other negligent parties — can open up multiple sources of recovery that a single-defendant case would not. This is one of the most important reasons to hire an attorney who investigates the full picture, not just the driver.

  • Distracted Driver — texting, phone use, GPS distraction, eating, personal grooming while driving
  • Driver's Employer — if the driver was working and required to use phone/devices, unrealistic time pressures, inadequate distracted driving policies
  • Other Drivers — third-party negligence that contributed to the crash or made it worse
  • Vehicle Manufacturer — defective or poorly designed infotainment systems that encourage driver distraction
  • City of Dallas — dangerous road conditions, poor signage, defective traffic signals that contributed to the crash

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Get a Free Case Review — (214) 333-3333
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Gene Burkett

“I was drawn to the law because it offered an opportunity to help people in their time of need. I’ve always been competitive by nature. Practicing law allows me to compete daily against large insurance companies and opposing counsel. The longevity of our partnership more than 30 years now has led to a trial team that knows how to win.” Read Bio and Credentials
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Scott Frenkel

“I love helping people. I usually see them at their worst when they’ve suffered a catastrophic injury or lost a loved one from a vehicle collision, dangerous premises, defective prescription drugs, or medical errors. They need someone who truly cares to help them. I’m honored to do that work.” Read Bio and Credentials
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Mark D. Frenkel

“The heart of our practice is that juries can help those who have been injured. The right to plead your case before a jury is one of our inalienable rights in this country. When careless and irresponsible companies put profits over people, juries must hold them responsible.” Read Bio and Credentials
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Aaron Spahr

Aaron Spahr brings a rare breadth of experience and legal excellence to every case he takes on. With a passion for justice, Aaron has successfully litigated complex cases involving motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, and more. His commitment to serving the injured stems from a desire to provide a voice to those in need, ensuring our clients receive the support and representation they deserve. Read Bio and Credentials
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Carlos A. Fernandez

Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Carlos A. Fernandez is driven by a strong sense of duty to family and community. Raised by Cuban immigrants, his determination to make a difference led him to law. Fluent in Spanish, Carlos joined Frenkel & Frenkel in 2015, bringing a wealth of litigation experience. His commitment extends beyond law; he passionately supports organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Autism Speaks. As an Articles Editor for the Southern Methodist University International Law Review, Carlos is known for upholding the highest standards of legal excellence. Read Bio and Credentials
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Shawn Thompson

Shawn Thompson is known for his exceptional legal insight and unwavering client commitment. With a formidable background in the legal arena, Shawn works long hours to ensure his clients are treated fairly. At Frenkel & Frenkel, Shawn channels his wealth of experience and unyielding dedication to providing aggressive representation and unwavering support to every client. His client-first, responsive approach reflects the firm’s reputation for excellence in client care. Read Bio and Credentials
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Brett Baker

Brett Baker is a highly-skilled attorney at Frenkel & Frenkel who offers top-tier legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to serving his clients with compassionate care. With a passion for justice, Brett tirelessly pursues maximum compensation for the injured. He represents individuals in various legal matters, standing by his clients with dedication and integrity. Brett’s relentless advocacy and commitment to justice set a standard of excellence in the legal community in Dallas. Read Bio and Credentials
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Joshua Cohen

Joshua Cohen brings impressive legal skills to every case he takes on at Frenkel & Frenkel. He is unwavering in his pursuit of full compensation for the people he serves. With focused dedication, he fiercely advocates for justice in negotiating a settlement or in court. In representing the injured, he delivers compassionate support at every phase of the legal journey. Read Bio and Credentials
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Jason Boorstein

Jason Boorstein is a talented and experienced attorney at Frenkel & Frenkel, known for his unrelenting approach to pursuing justice for clients. With a passion for fighting on behalf of the injured, Jason brings relentless determination to every case. Specializing in personal injury law, he is fearless and focused, ensuring his clients have the vigorous representation they deserve to achieve optimal outcomes. Read Bio and Credentials
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Dave Adest

Dave Adest, an experienced attorney at Frenkel & Frenkel, brings exceptional legal skills and a record of impressive success to the firm. Specializing in personal injury matters, including motor vehicle collisions and premises liability cases, he is relentlessly determined to pursue justice and full compensation. He fiercely advocates for our clients with compassionate, focused representation. Read Bio and Credentials
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What does it cost to hire a distracted driving accident lawyer in Dallas?

At Frenkel & Frenkel, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover money for you.

There is no charge for your first consultation. You can call us, tell us what happened, and we will let you know if we think we can help. There is no pressure and no obligation.

We advance all case costs, including subpoenaing cell phone records, hiring accident reconstruction experts, and consulting with medical professionals. You do not pay us back unless we win your case.

Why Choose Frenkel & Frenkel?

Decades of Combined Legal Experience

Our attorneys have spent decades fighting for people hurt by distracted drivers. We have the knowledge and resources to take on even the most complex cases involving cell phone use, texting while driving, and negligent driver behavior.

We Know How the Other Side Thinks

Our founding attorneys used to defend insurance companies. Now, they use that inside knowledge to fight for injured people like you. We know the tactics companies use, and we know how to counter them.

A Track Record That Speaks for Itself

We have recovered over $1 Billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.* For 16 straight years, our attorneys have been named among the Best Lawyers in Dallas.

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Firm-Wide Results

$12 MILLION

Settlement - Catastrophic Injury Case

$4.5 MILLION

Verdict - Commercial Vehicle Collision

$35.5 Million

Settlement - Trucking Accident Case

$18 Million

Settlement - Serious Motor Vehicle Wreck

Source: Texas Department of Transportation, 2023 Annual Report.

Texas Law Statistics

Filing Deadline

Texas gives you two years to file most personal injury claims (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003)

Settlement Rate

Approximately 95% of distracted driving injury cases settle before trial (industry data)

Texas Distracted Driving Deaths

In 2022, distracted driving contributed to 431 traffic deaths in Texas (TxDOT data)

Dallas Crash Factor

Driver inattention or distraction is a contributing factor in over 25% of Dallas-area crashes (Texas DOT)

Types of Distracted Driving Accidents We Handle

Rear-End Collisions
These are the most common distracted driving crashes. When a driver looks down at their phone or adjusts the radio, they may not see traffic slowing ahead. Even a two-second delay can mean crashing into the car in front at full speed.

Intersection Accidents
Distracted drivers often run red lights or stop signs without realizing it. They may also fail to yield the right of way when turning. Intersection crashes frequently cause serious injuries because vehicles strike each other at angles.

Lane Departure Crashes

Taking your eyes off the road can cause you to drift out of your lane. This may lead to sideswiping another car, hitting a guardrail, or crossing the center line into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions are often fatal.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Distracted drivers may not see people crossing the street or riding bikes. These accidents are especially dangerous because pedestrians and cyclists have no protection. Injuries are often severe or fatal.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups
One distracted driver can trigger a chain reaction. When the first car fails to brake in time, others behind it may not be able to stop either. These crashes often involve multiple vehicles and serious injuries.

Single-Vehicle Crashes
Even without hitting another car, a distracted driver can cause harm. Running off the road, hitting a tree, or striking a fixed object can lead to severe injuries. You may still have a claim if another party’s negligence contributed.

Types of Distracted Driving We Handle

Texting While Driving

Reading or sending text messages takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Texas law bans texting while driving statewide.

Cell Phone Use

Talking on the phone, even hands-free, diverts mental focus from driving. Handheld phone use is illegal in many Texas cities, including Dallas. Looking up contacts, dialing, or checking notifications all increase crash risk.

GPS and Navigation Systems

Programming a GPS or looking at directions while driving causes both visual and manual distraction. Many drivers try to adjust their route or read maps while moving, taking attention away from the road ahead.

Eating and Drinking

Unwrapping food, holding drinks, or reaching for items in the car requires you to take at least one hand off the wheel. Spills or dropped items may cause sudden reactions that lead to loss of control.

Personal Grooming

Applying makeup, shaving, fixing hair, or adjusting clothing behind the wheel diverts attention from driving. These activities often require looking in the mirror instead of watching traffic.

In-Vehicle Infotainment

Adjusting the radio, climate controls, or touchscreen systems takes focus away from driving. Modern dashboards with complex menus can be just as distracting as a smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Distracted driving means any activity that takes your attention away from the road. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting controls. You may have a claim if another driver's distraction caused your accident and you suffered injuries or property damage. Texas law gives you two years to file.

The most common types are texting or using a cell phone, adjusting GPS or navigation systems, eating or drinking, personal grooming, and interacting with passengers. Looking at or reaching for objects in the car is also a frequent cause. All of these activities reduce your ability to react to road hazards.

Yes. Texas banned texting while driving statewide in 2017. Dallas also has a broader hands-free ordinance that restricts handheld phone use. If the other driver violated these laws, it strengthens your case by showing negligence. We can subpoena phone records to prove they were texting at the time of the crash.

The distracted driver is usually liable, but other parties may share responsibility. This can include their employer if they were working, a parent who owns the car their teen was driving, or a bar that over-served them. In some cases, a city may be liable if poor road design contributed to the crash.

Key evidence includes cell phone records, witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, and the driver's own admissions. We can subpoena phone data to show calls or texts at the time of the crash. Dashboard camera or surveillance video from nearby businesses can also help prove distraction.