Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in San Marcos and throughout Texas. Whether caused by texting, eating, adjusting vehicle controls, or other diversions, these preventable crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities. The rise of smartphones and in-vehicle technology has made driver distraction an increasingly serious threat on I-35, Wonder World Drive, and other major roads in the San Marcos area. Common forms of distraction include visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (removing hands from the wheel), and cognitive (mental focus diverted from driving). When distracted drivers cause accidents, victims may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Understanding the specific circumstances of the distracted driving incident, including evidence like phone records, witness statements, and police reports, is crucial for building a strong personal injury case.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Texas law prohibits texting while driving under Section 545.4251 of the Transportation Code, with fines up to $200 for violations. For personal injury claims involving distracted driving, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are not more than 51% at fault. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. Available compensation may include economic damages (medical bills, lost income, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish). Texas requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $30,000 per injured person and $60,000 per accident, though victims with severe injuries may need to pursue additional coverage sources or legal remedies. An experienced San Marcos personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Distracted driving crashes can result in a range of serious injuries. Click the links below to get information on legal claims from attorneys with experience in your type of injury including:

• San Marcos car injury attorney
• San Marcos spine injury attorney
• San Marcos brain injury lawyer
• San Marcos burn injury attorney
• San Marcos fracture injury attorney.

Related Resources

Local Courts:

• Hays County District Court
• Hays County Justice of the Peace Courts
• San Marcos Municipal Court

Support Services:

• Texas Department of Transportation Safety Division
• Brain Injury Association of Texas
• MADD Texas State Office
• Hays County Victim Services

Legal References:

• Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545 (Operation and Movement of Vehicles)
• Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 16 (Statute of Limitations)
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Division
• Texas Department of Public Safety Crash Reports

Return to the San Marcos causes of accidents information page