Is Texting and Driving Illegal?

We take our cell phones with us everywhere these days, even in some situations where we shouldn’t.

Texting and driving is unfortunately very common. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, an average of 108 people were killed annually in distracted-driving related crashes since 2015.

Over that same period, cell phone-related crashes in the state grew 30% to nearly 2,500 reported crashes in 2019.

The danger of texting and driving

Our phones are designed to be enticing and gratifying to use. When you hear your phone chime, a Pavlovian response is set off in your brain.

This means that your brain automatically associates the sound of the chime with getting a text message.

The sound of the chime can be so tempting that it’s hard to resist looking at your phone to see who sent you a message. This is one reason why texting and driving is so dangerous – because it’s very easy to get distracted by your phone when you’re behind the wheel.

Is texting and driving illegal in Missouri?

As of 2022, Missouri is one of only two states without a law banning all drivers from using their cell phones while driving.

Texting and driving is illegal only for drivers 21 and younger in Missouri. It is a primary offense, which means that young drivers can be pulled over for texting and driving even if you are not committing any other traffic offenses.

Texting and driving in Missouri carries a $200 fine and two points against the driver’s license.

What happens if I’m in a crash and the other driver was texting?

When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to know your rights. If the other driver was texting while driving and caused the crash, they may be liable for your damages.

If you decide to file a claim against the other driver, you will likely need to prove that they were texting while driving at the time of the crash. This can be difficult to do, but with the help of an attorney, it may be possible.

If you are successful in proving that the other driver was texting while driving, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. This compensation can help cover medical bills, car repairs and other costs related to the accident. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

Economic damages are losses that can be specifically calculated and often include things such as medical bills, car repairs and lost wages.

Economic damages can help cover the costs of your injuries and help you get back on your feet financially. Medical bills can be very expensive, especially if you require long-term care. Car repairs can be costly, and if you’re unable to work while you’re recovering, you may lose out on wages.

Economic damages can help offset these costs and help you get back on your feet.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are losses that can’t be specifically calculated and often include things such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

These damages can be very important, especially if you have been seriously injured in a car accident. They can help compensate you for the pain and suffering you have endured and help you get back on your feet emotionally.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to speak to an attorney. They can help you understand your rights and may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident with a texting driver, call the attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse for help. We can help you get the compensation you deserve – 314-241-1919.