Distracted driving accidents happen far too often in our city. They leave Houston families facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig understands the heartbreak caused by these collisions and is committed to helping you rebuild your life. He and the Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group offer compassionate support every step of the way, ensuring that your story is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. If you need help now, call (713) 561-5003 for a free consultation—there are no fees unless we win your case.

Houston traffic can be hectic on roads like I-610, I-45, or the West Loop. When someone chooses to glance at a text, fumble with the radio, or allow any distraction, it can have devastating consequences. As Bellaire-based personal injury attorneys with years of experience, we’ve represented numerous clients injured by negligent drivers. We know how to uncover the proof you need, build a strong claim, and pursue the full compensation that covers your medical expenses and other losses.

Recent Distracted Driving Case Results – Goldenzweig Law Group Success Stories

Our legal team has achieved favorable outcomes for clients injured by distracted drivers. We handle a variety of cases involving texting, GPS distractions, and more. Here are two brief examples:

  • $250,000 Settlement – Texting Driver Collision
    Our client was rear-ended on a busy Houston highway by a driver who was typing a text. We helped obtain phone records to confirm distraction and successfully recovered $250,000 for the victim’s medical costs and pain and suffering.
  • $300,000 Verdict – Distracted 18-Wheeler Crash
    A commercial truck driver was checking GPS when he collided with our client near I-10. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and the Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group proved negligence at trial and secured a $300,000 verdict to cover extensive medical bills and other losses.

If you’ve been hurt in a similar accident, know that you do have legal options. Our team investigates every case thoroughly, whether the distraction involves texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or something more unusual.

How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Houston?

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of collisions in both Texas and the nation. According to recent national data, more than 3,000 people lose their lives in distracted driving accidents in the U.S. in a single year, and about 424,000 suffer injuries. Right here in Texas, there were 377 fatalities tied to distracted driving in 2019, increasing to 403 reported deaths in 2023. These numbers highlight a serious ongoing problem.

Harris County, which includes Houston, consistently leads the state in driver-distraction-related crashes. In 2019 alone, more than 12,000 crashes in our county involved some form of distraction. On a broader scale, about 1,200 people are injured every day nationwide because of distracted drivers. These staggering figures confirm what so many families already know: focusing on the road is a lifesaving responsibility, yet too many motorists fail to honor that duty.

What Are Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents?

Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver’s attention is diverted from the road. It can be visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (removing hands from the wheel), or cognitive (mind wandering elsewhere). The Houston distracted driving attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group have seen all types of distractions, including:

  • Texting or emailing on a phone, which combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
  • Talking on the phone, even hands-free, which can still reduce mental focus.
  • Programming a GPS or navigation app, often while the car is in motion.
  • Scrolling social media or taking photos and videos behind the wheel.
  • Eating or drinking, causing a driver to look away or fumble items in the car.
  • Personal grooming, such as putting on makeup or shaving.
  • Adjusting vehicle controls, like the radio or climate settings, when traveling at high speeds.
  • Chatting with passengers in a way that diverts critical attention, especially if children or pets are involved.
  • Reaching for objects on the floor, under seats, or in bags.
  • Daydreaming or “zoning out”, a cognitive lapse that’s more common than many realize.
  • Rubbernecking or external distractions, such as slowing down to watch roadside incidents or billboards.

Less obvious scenarios also lead to crashes. For example, commercial truck drivers sometimes check dispatch devices while operating large vehicles, or rideshare drivers may look at their apps for incoming rides. Even a swatting-at-a-bee moment can end in a collision. On Houston’s busy highways and congested streets, a few seconds of inattention can have dire consequences.

Is Distracted Driving Illegal in Texas?

Texas law prohibits texting while driving. The Texas Transportation Code makes it illegal for drivers to send or read electronic messages while operating a vehicle. This ban went into effect statewide in September 2017, further reinforcing that drivers who text behind the wheel could be breaking the law. School bus drivers and drivers under 18 face even stricter prohibitions on handheld device use.

Although using a phone in hands-free mode isn’t entirely banned statewide, it can still create serious distractions. Violating these texting laws can result in fines up to $200 or more for repeat offenses. Beyond the immediate legal consequences, breaking safety rules often supports a finding of negligence per se in civil cases. In other words, if the at-fault driver broke a safety law—like texting behind the wheel—and caused an accident, that violation is strong evidence they breached the standard of care. Even when a specific distraction isn’t explicitly prohibited by law (like eating or fiddling with the stereo), a driver can still be found negligent if their inattention caused you harm.

What Injuries Do Distracted Driving Accidents Cause?

Distracted driving crashes can produce devastating injuries. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has witnessed the toll these collisions take on individuals and families. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash & Neck Injuries: These often occur in rear-end collisions when a distracted driver fails to brake in time.
  • Back & Spinal Cord Injuries: In severe cases, victims may face herniated discs or permanent paralysis.
  • Head Injuries (TBIs): Traumatic brain injuries can happen if a driver or passenger strikes their head on a steering wheel or window.
  • Broken Bones & Fractures: Collisions frequently lead to fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and more.
  • Facial Injuries & Airbag Trauma: Airbags deploy forcefully, which can cause burns or fractures if there’s no attempt to brake or slow.
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding isn’t always immediately obvious.
  • Psychological Injuries: Emotional trauma, including PTSD or anxiety disorders, can surface in the aftermath of a sudden, avoidable collision.
  • Wrongful Death: Tragically, some distracted driving accidents end in loss of life. Surviving families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim to seek damages for funeral costs and financial support losses.

Even seemingly minor injuries like concussions can develop into long-lasting complications if not diagnosed early. The Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group understand the profound challenges these injuries impose. We strive to secure the resources our clients need for recovery, including comprehensive medical care and compensation for emotional distress.

What Should I Do After a Distracted Driving Accident in Houston?

Taking the right steps after a crash can preserve your health and protect your potential injury claim. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Call 911 and Ensure Safety. Move to a safe area if it’s possible without worsening injuries. Request police at the scene so there’s an official accident report.
  2. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, be aware some injuries can take time to appear. Prompt treatment also establishes a medical record of your injuries.
  3. Document the Scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the surrounding area. Make note of the exact location of the crash, such as I-45 or a particular intersection.
  4. Exchange Information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, and insurance details. Gather witness names and contact information as well.
  5. Don’t Admit Fault. Stay polite, but avoid statements that could be interpreted as blame or apology. Let the investigation uncover the facts.
  6. Inform Your Insurance Company. Report the accident, but keep it factual. Avoid extensive discussions on fault until you’ve spoken with a legal professional.
  7. Preserve Evidence of Distraction. If you suspect the other driver was texting or engaging in other distractions, mention it to the police and make a personal note.
  8. Consult a Lawyer. Before negotiating with insurance adjusters, get advice from Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig or the Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group. We can help ensure you’re treated fairly.

Following these steps gives you a stronger position when pursuing compensation. Our team can assist with many of these tasks, like gathering police reports or securing evidence of phone usage.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?

Victims of distracted driving accidents in Texas can pursue several types of damages. Every situation is unique, but common forms of compensation include:

  • Economic Damages:
    • Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
    • Lost Wages: The income you lose while recovering, plus any diminished earning capacity if your injuries impact your long-term employment.
    • Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal belongings.
  • Non-Economic Damages:
    • Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the crash.
    • Mental Anguish: Anxiety, fear, depression, or PTSD triggered by the accident.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or daily activities.
    • Scarring or Disfigurement: Visible scars or permanent disfigurement and their psychological effects.
    • Loss of Consortium: Harm to the relationship between spouses or family members in severe injury cases.
  • Wrongful Death Damages (if applicable):
    If a loved one passed away, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
  • Punitive (Exemplary) Damages:
    In Texas, punitive damages may apply if the at-fault driver acted with gross negligence—such as texting at high speed in a school zone, knowing the risks. These damages aim to punish especially reckless conduct and deter similar behavior.

While it’s normal to wonder about the value of your case, the exact amount depends on factors like the extent of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and clear evidence of driver distraction. The Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group thoroughly document all of your losses and negotiate aggressively to maximize your recovery.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence standard. You can still collect damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for adjusting your GPS, and the other driver is 80% at fault for texting, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.

If you’re 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything under Texas law. Insurance companies may try to argue that you were also distracted or negligent. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and his colleagues know these tactics well. By gathering proof like phone records, witness statements, and expert accident reconstruction, we work to show that the other driver’s distraction was the primary cause. This approach helps ensure you aren’t unfairly burdened with fault.

How Can a Houston Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Help Me?

An experienced attorney can significantly strengthen your claim and ease your stress. When you hire the Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group, here’s what you can expect:

  • Thorough Investigation: We obtain official reports, interview witnesses, gather photos or videos from the scene, and even subpoena phone records if necessary.
  • Proving Liability: Our legal team demonstrates the other driver’s negligence by connecting the distraction to the cause of the crash and documenting your injuries.
  • Handling Insurance Companies: We take over all communication with adjusters, file claims on your behalf, and negotiate settlements that truly cover your damages.
  • Maximizing Compensation: By calculating future medical costs, lost income, and non-economic harms, we push for the full value of your claim.
  • Litigation and Trial Readiness: Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has courtroom experience and won’t hesitate to litigate if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
  • No Upfront Costs: Our contingency fee arrangement means you owe nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict. This ensures quality representation is available to everyone.

Our goal is to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your health and family. We keep you updated at every turn, listen to your concerns, and stand up to insurance defense strategies designed to minimize your claim.

Why Choose Goldenzweig Law Group for Your Distracted Driving Accident Case?

We believe injured Texans deserve personalized attention and a lawyer who genuinely cares. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has years of experience helping car accident victims throughout Houston secure favorable settlements and verdicts. Our entire team prioritizes client well-being, ensuring your questions are answered and your needs are addressed promptly.

We’re also deeply connected to Houston. Our office is located at 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401, serving clients across the city and its surrounding areas. We understand the complexity of local traffic patterns, the nuances of local courts, and the challenges Houston drivers face daily. By focusing on this community, we can provide strategic advantages that national or unfamiliar firms cannot.

Above all, our approach is fueled by compassion and backed by results. We know the struggle of recovering from injuries that never should have happened. We listen to your story, fight aggressively for your rights, and refuse to back down if the insurance company tries to offer less than you deserve. When you choose Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig, you choose a committed advocate ready to stand by you from day one until resolution.

Client Testimonials

“My experience with this law firm was the best. You can truly trust the people here to help you with your case. I would definitely recommend 100%.” – Koraima

“One of the best attorney’s I know – and I’m only one of the attorney’s who has turned to him when they need someone tough and fair to take on a case. From personal experience, you will not go wrong choosing Stephen to handle your case, you can trust him.”
 – Lauae

About Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig

Stephen Goldenzweig is a dedicated personal injury attorney who has made it his mission to help Houston-area residents recover after serious car accidents, including those caused by distracted drivers. He pursued his legal education with a focus on advocacy and has honed his courtroom skills representing injured clients. Known for his tenacity in negotiations and genuine compassion for clients, Stephen is proud to serve the community where he lives and works. His goal is to provide the highest level of legal representation while maintaining the warmth and accessibility of a small local practice.

FAQs

How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident lawsuit in Texas?

You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, may be extended in limited scenarios (such as if a minor is injured). However, it’s best to act quickly so important evidence does not disappear.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my distracted driving accident case?

Our firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees, and we only get paid when we win or settle your claim. Your initial consultation is free. We also advance case costs so you’re never out-of-pocket for expert fees, investigations, or other expenses.

How can I prove the other driver was distracted?

Proving distraction can involve gathering cell phone records, text logs, video footage, and witness statements. Sometimes a police report may note that the at-fault driver admitted to texting or was observed looking down. Our attorneys know how to secure and preserve these records quickly before they are lost or deleted.

Can I hold a delivery or commercial driver’s employer responsible?

If a driver is working within the scope of their job (like delivering packages or operating a company vehicle) when they cause an accident, their employer may share liability under Texas law. We investigate employer policies, training, and potential oversight to see if broader responsibility applies.

Will a distracted driving accident lead to criminal charges?

In some situations, yes. While many distracted driving incidents are handled through civil lawsuits, extreme cases—especially those causing severe or fatal injuries—could result in criminal charges. Regardless of any criminal case, you may still file a civil claim to seek compensation for your losses.

Get a Free Consultation for Your Distracted Driving Accident Case

We are ready to help you move forward. If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver in Houston, call (713) 561-5003 for a free consultation. You will pay nothing unless we win your case, and we are committed to protecting your rights from day one. Time is critical because evidence can fade quickly, and Texas law imposes strict deadlines. Let Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig and the Houston distracted driving accident attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group fight for the compensation and justice you deserve, while you focus on healing and reclaiming your life.