It takes a moment for a car accident to take the life of any person on the road. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents. And it’s fully avoidable. A wrongful death attorney can help if your loved one lost their life in a distracted driving accident. There are many examples of distracted driving’s devastation. These are just a couple of those recent stories.

What Is Distracted Driving in Texas?

Distracted driving is any type of act that takes the driver’s attention off the roadway. Texas bans texting behind the wheel. It’s a driving offense to use any type of portable, wireless device. You can’t use it to read, write, or send an electronic message while behind the wheel. All handheld devices are banned in school zones. Minors under the age of 18 cannot use a device while driving. Some cities have even stricter rules meant to prevent people from texting behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving Statistics Texas:

Distracted driving is a big problem in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation shares several statistics that show just how devastating distraction behind the wheel can be.

The risks are incredibly real. Every day, a person suffers injuries in communities across the state from the actions of a distracted driver.

2 Distracted Driving Accidents in Texas in 2026:

Distracted driving happens hundreds of times a day in Texas. Most people don’t cause accidents. Most accidents that do occur don’t cause fatal results. But sometimes the worst happens. Some victims don’t survive. Lives change all due to a text message or updating a GPS tool.

Consider the following two examples of distracted driving accidents that caused the loss of life. These two examples are tragic. They show just how devastating these accidents can be to families.

Feb 9, 2026: Distracted Driving Accident Kills Teen Cyclist in Temple, TX:

Date and Location of the Accident:

February 9, 2026 in Temple, Texas

Accident Overview:

A distracted driving crash took place in Temple, Texas, that resulted in a 16-year-old losing their life. Adrian Banks was struck when riding his bike along Tarver Drive. The victim’s 10-year-old sister, Aubrey, was also hurt in the accident, suffering severe spinal fractures. The incident happened just before 8 pm. The brother and sister were riding their bike along the 8800 block of Tarver Drive. That’s when Peyton Hoyt, a 22-year-old, struck them. The bike riders were in the middle of the road when they were hit.

The victims’ brother discovered the crash scene and found Adrian on the ground and the sister against a guardrail. Both were taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Adrian died the day after from his injuries. Aubrey survived but had to relearn how to walk.

Possible Cause of the Collision:

The Temple Police Department reported that Hoyt was charged with the use of a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging causing death. He turned himself in to the Killeen Police Department. It’s clear the driver was texting and driving when the accident happened.

July 8, 2026: Fatal Distracted Driving Accident on I-35 in San Antonio, Texas:

Date and Location of the Accident:

July 8th, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas

Accident Overview:

A 27-year-old man was driving at a high rate of speed along Interstate 35 southbound near O’Connor Road at about 6:15 am on July 8th. That’s when the driver became distracted. In doing so, he struck a stopped 18-wheeler that was sitting in backed-up, heavy traffic. The driver of the SUV, named Cimmeron Dwayne Kee, rear-ended the semi at full speed. The investigation found that the driver didn’t attempt to stop.

Possible Cause of the Collision:

According to the San Antonio Police Department, the silver SUV’s driver was distracted at the time of the accident. They did not try to stop the vehicle, likely meaning they didn’t know there was a threat present.

Kee sustained blunt force injuries. The driver died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the semi truck was not hurt in the crash.

What to Do After Texas Distracted Driving Accidents:

It’s critical to know what to do after an accident. Here are some steps to take.

Call 911 Immediately:

Get medical care and police to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. Move to safety if you’re still at risk. Don’t leave the scene.

Gather Any Evidence You Can:

Get the name and contact information of all people involved. Take photos of the area and damage at the scene. Get the name of witnesses. Provide the police with any information you have about why the other driver struck you.

Get Medical Care:

Go to the hospital or urgent care after your accident. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Some injuries aren’t obvious and can be life-threatening.

Contact an Attorney:

Your attorney will help you file a police report and insurance claim. They will calculate your losses and build your case.

Contact a Texas Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer:

Don’t wait to get the help you need from a car accident lawyer. At Ledger Law, our Texas distracted driving accidents lawyer steps in to protect your case. We make sure insurance companies pay fully for the losses they cause. Request a free consultation.

Final Thought:

Distracted driving is dangerous. It can be life-threatening. Do your part. Avoid using a cell phone behind the wheel. Contact our distracted driving accident lawyer if you’ve been in an accident.