A distracted driver can change your life in an instant. Whether someone was texting, adjusting their GPS, or eating behind the wheel, their inattention can leave you facing injuries, medical bills, and a long road to recovery. Attorney Bill T. Wells, who is recognized as a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer and serves as Of Counsel to The Payne Law Group, represents victims of distracted driving crashes throughout Galveston County. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Bill brings proven results, courtroom skill, and compassionate client service to every case.
If a careless driver caused your accident, contact us. We can help you seek full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Why Choose Bill T. Wells for Your Distracted Driving Case
When you’re up against an insurance company after a serious accident, experience matters. Attorney Bill T. Wells is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law, an honor earned by fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys. That certification reflects advanced knowledge, significant trial experience, and a commitment to excellence in representing clients who have been injured.
Clients choose our firm because:
- We handle every case personally and treat clients with respect, not as case numbers.
- We have decades of experience holding negligent drivers and insurers accountable.
- We prepare each case thoroughly, ready to negotiate or go to trial when needed.
- We pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and long-term care.
When you work with us, you’ll receive honest communication, responsive service, and advocacy focused on getting your life back on track.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
While texting is the most recognized form of distracted driving, it’s far from the only one. Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road can lead to a crash. Distraction generally falls into three categories:
- Visual: Taking eyes off the road (e.g., checking GPS or reading a message).
- Manual: Taking hands off the wheel (e.g., eating, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something).
- Cognitive: Taking the mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming, talking to passengers, or mental fatigue).
Common distractions include:
- Texting or scrolling social media
- Entering directions into a GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting music or climate controls
- Personal grooming or applying makeup
According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2024, nearly one in five crashes in Texas involved distracted driving. Those accidents caused hundreds of fatalities and thousands of serious injuries, most of which could have been prevented.
How to Prove a Driver Was Distracted
Proving distraction isn’t always straightforward, but strong evidence can make all the difference. Our team investigates thoroughly to uncover the facts. Evidence often includes:
- Cell phone records: These can show calls, texts, or app usage at the time of the crash.
- Witness statements: Bystanders or passengers may have seen the driver using a phone or looking away.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage: May capture the driver’s actions before the collision.
- Police reports: Officers may document signs of distraction or cite the driver for inattention.
- Vehicle data recorders: Some newer cars record driver inputs like steering, braking, and acceleration.
We work with investigators and experts to connect these facts to the cause of your crash and establish liability.
Who Is Liable for Distracted Driving Accidents?
In most cases, the distracted driver is directly responsible for the damages caused. However, additional parties may also share liability, such as:
- Employers, if the driver was working at the time of the accident.
- Rideshare companies, when drivers are on duty for platforms like Uber or Lyft.
- Vehicle owners, if they negligently entrusted their car to an unsafe driver.
Victims may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
We evaluate every potential source of recovery to help ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you suspect distraction played a role in your accident:
- Call 911 and report the crash.
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos and videos of the scene and vehicles.
- Gather contact information for witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or insurer.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded statements.
Taking these steps early can help protect your right to compensation.
Contact an Experienced Galveston County Distracted Driver Attorney
When another driver’s distraction causes you harm, you deserve justice and accountability. Attorney Bill T. Wells is ready to handle the legal side while you focus on healing. He’ll investigate, build a strong case, and stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact our office today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver denies being distracted?
Evidence such as phone records, traffic cameras, or witness statements can help prove what happened, even if the driver denies it.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash.
Is texting while driving illegal in Texas?
Yes. Texas law prohibits reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while driving.