# Distracted Driving: The Link Between Cell Phones and Car Accident | Attorney Brian White According to the [National Safety Council’s](https://www.nsc.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopRYD8ImmGiQ42TllzscqGQ0ClKYiQp84xmAR0McpKHLkDgl6Nt) annual injury and fatality report, [cell phone use](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-you-get-in-trouble-for-using-a-cell-phone-while-driving/) causes 26% of car accidents in the [United States](https://www.usa.gov/). The report doesn’t just indicate texting and driving, either. Surprisingly, most accidents (21%) occur while a driver is talking on a handheld or hands-free cell phone. Only 5% are because of [texting and driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texting-and-driving-laws-in-houston/). Still, the numbers are unacceptable. In 2014, there were 100,825 [distracted driving car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/distracted-driving/) in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/) alone. 3,214 of them resulted in injury, and 468 led to death. Texas sees an inordinately large number of distracted driving accidents in the nation. As a result, advocacy groups continue to try and pass more stringent laws. Many cities and towns in Texas have passed their own ordinances, as well. At the moment, there are no statewide laws prohibiting the use of cell phones in Texas. The only laws governing cell phone use while driving are: - Drivers with learner’s permits may not use a cell phone within the first six months. - Drivers under 18 may not use wireless communication devices (like Bluetooth). - School bus operators are never allowed to use a cell phone when children are present. - No drivers are allowed to use handheld devices in school crossing zones. While these laws limit the use of cell phones for young adults, they still allow for adults over 18 to use cell phones in many situations. Last year, Austin and San Antonio both passed [citywide laws restricting the use of cell phones](https://abc13.com/post/cell-phone-use-while-driving-now-illegal-in-two-major-texas-cities/459042/?userab=kabc_content_recs-577*variant_a_control-2480%2Cotv_web_content_rec-539*variant_c_trending-2268%2Cotv_search_page_design_unification-546*variant_b_search_redesign-2300%2Cabcn_popular_reads_exp-542*variant_b_7days_filter-2288/). Violation of these laws will result in fines up to $500. Forty cities in Texas imposed a [ban on texting while driving](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texting-and-driving-laws-in-houston/). Currently, it is not a statewide law; however, that is expected to change soon. A tentative ban was voted this past March, and Texas may soon join the other 45 states that have banned texting and driving. ## Cell Phone Related Accident Liability in Houston, TX So what happens if a car accident occurs because one of the drivers is using a cell phone? Like all personal injury cases, [negligence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-negligence/) is a deciding factor. All motorists are expected to drive in a reasonably careful manner. This means negligence may be indicated if a motorist is speeding, ran a red light, drove under the influence, or drove while on a cell phone. If you suffered actual damage as a direct result of the accident, and the accident was caused as a direct result of the defendant’s negligence, you will be able to receive compensation for damages. Damages in a car accident usually include: - Medical expenses. This covers any debts incurred as a result of the accident, including treatment and prescriptions. It may also include ongoing medical treatment. - Lost wages. Temporary and permanent lost wages due to the accident can be claimed. This can be due to treatment after the injury or permanent loss of the ability to work. - [Pain and suffering](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-are-pain-and-suffering-damages-calculated/). Pain and mental suffering as a result of the accident can be compensated. This is calculated using a formula. - [Property damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/property-damage/). Damage to vehicles and other property can be claimed. - [Loss of consortium](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-loss-of-consortium/) or [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/) claims. These are pursued in cases of extreme injury or death. In Texas, there are no official statewide bans on driving while on a cell phone, except for the regulations mentioned previously. That means it may be more difficult to prove negligence in certain situations. Only an experienced personal injury attorney will provide effective representation in a cell phone-related car accident. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Contact an [auto accident attorney in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for more information on Texas distracted driving laws and personal injury claims. Our firm has experience in many specialties of personal injury law in [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), TX and the surrounding communities. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The 5 Most Common Types of Car Crashes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Houston-Traffic-Accident-Attorney-Brian-White-Personal-Injury-Lawyers-1-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-5-most-common-types-of-car-crashes/) [The 5 Most Common Types of Car Crashes](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-5-most-common-types-of-car-crashes/) There were 560,952 traffic crashes in Texas during 2019, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Each [![Intersection Collisions: Why Are There So Many And How Can You Protect Yourself?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Intersection-Collisions-Why-Are-There-So-Many-And-How-Can-You-Protect-Yourself-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/intersection-collisions-why-are-there-so-many-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself/) [Intersection Collisions: Why Are There So Many and How Can You Protect Yourself?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/intersection-collisions-why-are-there-so-many-and-how-can-you-protect-yourself/) Intersections in The Woodlands and throughout the country can be dangerous places for motorists, motorcyclists, [![How Houston PD Reports Crash Data and Why It Matters For Your Personal Injury Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/How-Houston-PD-Reports-Crash-Data-and-Why-Matters-For-Your-Personal-Injury-Claim-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-houston-pd-reports-crash-data-and-why-it-matters-for-your-personal-injury-claim/) [How Houston PD Reports Crash Data and Why It Matters for Your Personal Injury Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-houston-pd-reports-crash-data-and-why-it-matters-for-your-personal-injury-claim/) When a car accident happens in Houston, police officers respond and create an official crash report that documents [![Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Common-Back-Injuries-After-a-Car-Accident-300x169.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) [Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/common-back-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) Back pain after a car accident is common. The pressure placed on the back and spinal column during a collision can --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/distracted-driving-the-link-between-cell-phones-and-car-accidents/