Texting and Driving Accidents In Las Cruces & Hobbs, NM – Let’s Handle Your Case

According to a recent study done by the New Mexico Department of Transportation, 21% of crashes in the state were attributed to driver inattention. That added up to, on average, a distracted-driving crash occurring every 55 minutes. Much of today’s distraction is caused by the many devices that we carry on us at all times. The simple act of looking down for what seems to be a split second can have a devastating effect on the road. The Law Office of W. Shane Jennings is here for people who have been affected by texting and driving accidents. If you’re in Las Cruces, Hobbs, or any other city in Southern New Mexico, then contact our firm.

Using a phone in a car texting while driving concept for danger of text message and being distracted

Finding Out if the Accident was Caused By Distracted Driving 

One of the biggest difficulties in car accident cases is the investigation into the cause of the crash. Some are more straightforward than others. Many, however, require in-depth investigation and should only be dealt with by a trusted personal injury attorney. Law enforcement and forensics have improved considerably since the beginning of cell phone usage. Police and investigators move quickly after the crash to investigate and quickly establish contributing factors before the crash. 

Physical evidence in these cases can include tablets, phones, laptops, video-streaming devices, or other in-vehicle devices like an event data recorder. This evidence then has to be lawfully seized; this may include getting a warrant or subpoena in order to look through somebody’s personal device. Here at The Law Office of W. Shane Jennings, we will work to build your case. 

Texting and Driving Accidents Statistics

Statistics seem to reveal that texting accidents seem to be more common and deadly than drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association, approximately 71% of teens and young adults have reported sending a text message while driving. Studies show that distracted driving is a considerable problem on the roads. Some states, like New Mexico, enacted a hand-free device law that requires any cell phone use in the car to be operated through a hands-free device like a Bluetooth earpiece. 

Texting-While-Driving FAQs

What are the laws regarding texting and driving in New Mexico?

Every state is different, although almost every state has some kind of laws on the books regarding texting. New Mexico passed Senate Bill 19 in 2014 making it illegal for people to talk or text on the phone while driving. Drivers can still talk on the phone if they are using a hands-free device. 

Can I get a ticket for dialing on my phone?

It is definitely possible. Police officers can’t tell what you are doing on your phone and they might be able to stop you simply for not looking at the road and engaging in distracted driving. 

What kind of damages can I claim in a distracted driving or texting and driving case?

You may be able to claim certain kinds of damages if you are involved in this kind of case, including:

  • Damage to your vehicle
  • Medical bills and expenses 
  • Personal property damage
  • Loss of wages (if you are unable to work due to injuries) 
  • Other out-of-pocket costs 

Contact Us Today For Your Free Consultation 

There are a lot of factors that can play in a car accident. Our job here at the Law Office of W. Shane Jennings is to get to the bottom of it and ensure that we get justice done. If you have been injured or been affected by distracted driving or a texting and driving accident, call us today. 

In addition to Las Cruces, W. Shane Jennings also serves Hobbs, NM, Alamagordo, Cloudcroft, Anthony, Deming, Lordsburg, Llano, TX, and more.