Houston Car Accident Lawyer at Smith & Hassler Comments on Failure by Texas Lawmakers to Pass Proposed Law Banning Texting while Driving
Houston, TX (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 -- Houston TX personal injury lawyer Albert M. Hassler III today said Texas should continue to pursue a statewide ban on texting while driving to reduce the number of serious injuries on the roads. The chairman of Texas’ Senate Transportation Committee recently refused to allow a vote on legislation that would have made texting while driving illegal for all drivers in Texas, even though a vast majority of Texas residents believe texting while driving should be outlawed, according to The Dallas Morning News, “Senator ripped for killing statewide ban on texting while driving” (May 28, 2013).
Hassler, who represents victims of negligence and families who have lost loved ones in car accidents, said Texas should join the 40 other states that have a ban on texting while driving.
“We understand that some state legislators believe that such legislation infringes upon the personal freedoms of Texas residents,” Hassler said. “We also realize those opinions are not shared by the vast majority of people throughout Texas. Overwhelmingly, residents in Texas want texting while driving outlawed statewide – and for good reason. Texting while driving has become one of the leading causes of auto accidents in Texas and around the country. That’s why so many states have banned texting while driving. It just makes sense.”
State Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, refused to allow a vote on a bill overwhelming passed by the state legislature that would have outlawed texting while driving for all drivers throughout Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News. By refusing to allow a vote on the legislation, the bill was killed and not brought to a vote, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a similar proposed texting while driving bill on June 17, 2011 along with 22 other bills passed by Texas’ legislature, according to The Statesman, “Perry vetoes texting while driving ban, 22 other bills” (June 17, 2011).
The 2011 and 2013 texting while driving bills passed by Texas’ House of Representatives proposal would have allowed police to fine drivers up to $200 for reading, writing or sending a text or email, according to Distracteddriveraccidents.com, “Texas Attempting to Ban Texting While Driving (Again)”
“There’s a reason why 40 states already have laws banning texting while driving,” Hassler said. “Texting while driving has been blamed for thousands of car accidents across the country. Drivers simply don’t pay attention to what’s going on around them when they’re texting. People who are injured can face serious losses. That’s why it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can fight for the rights of the injured person. A lawsuit can help the victim recover compensation for their losses, and it can also send a message that reckless behavior will not be tolerated in our society.”
For more information about what to do after a serious or fatal motor vehicle accident and the legal options available to families in Texas, call (877) 777-1529 or go to: http://www.smithandhassler.com/contact
About Smith & Hassler, Attorneys at Law
Smith & Hassler is a Houston-based personal injury law firm that handles a variety of cases involving negligence, including car accidents, truck accidents, property accidents, workplace accidents and more. Founded in 1989 by copartners Michael Smith and Albert M. Hassler III, Smith & Hassler is committed to helping injury victims obtain the compensation they need to make a meaningful difference in the quality of their lives. Smith & Hassler work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing if you don’t win.
Smith & Hassler
1445 North Loop West, Suite 700
Houston, Texas 77008
http://www.smithandhassler.com/
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, 888.566.5466, [email protected]
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