Murfreesboro Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Distracted driving accident claims in Murfreesboro allow injury victims to recover compensation when a driver who was texting, using a phone, or otherwise not focused on the road causes a crash. A Murfreesboro distracted driving accident lawyer can prove the other driver was distracted through phone records, police reports, and witness statements, then pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of car accidents nationwide. NHTSA reports that 3,208 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2024, and Tennessee’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security recorded 956 distracted-driving crashes in Rutherford County alone that year.

Tennessee law gives most car accident victims one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). Waiting past this deadline generally bars recovery, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a distracted driving accident.

If you were injured by a distracted driver in Murfreesboro, call (615) 285-5472 or contact us online for a free consultation. Gritton & Gritton has more than 30 years of experience representing people injured in vehicle accidents throughout Rutherford County.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Tennessee?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or attention off the road. Safety experts group distractions into three categories:

• Visual distraction — anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road, such as reading a text or checking a GPS screen
• Manual distraction — anything that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, such as eating or reaching for an object
• Cognitive distraction — anything that takes a driver’s mind off driving, such as a phone conversation or an argument with a passenger

Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous form of distraction because it involves all three types at once. Tennessee’s hands-free law specifically bans texting, emailing, and handheld cell phone use while driving; texting is permitted only when a vehicle is fully stopped.

Other common causes of distracted driving accidents include:

• Eating or drinking
• Talking on a cell phone
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls
• Applying makeup or grooming
• Scrolling social media
• Talking with passengers

Any of these behaviors can support a distracted driving injury claim, whether or not the driver was cited for a traffic violation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Tennessee law gives most car accident victims one year from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104). Waiting past this deadline generally bars recovery, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a distracted driving accident.

Compensation for Accidents Caused by Texting While Driving

Texting and other distractions frequently result in car accidents. When these accidents cause serious injury, a Murfreesboro distracted driving accident lawyer at Gritton & Gritton can help you obtain compensation for your damages.

We have more than 30 years of experience fighting on behalf of people injured in all types of vehicle accidents and provide individualized attention to every client.

What Counts as Distracted Driving in Tennessee?

Today, texting while driving is a serious and growing problem. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that distracted driving accidents have doubled in the past decade.

Distracted Driving Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as distracted driving in Tennessee?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or attention off the road — including texting, talking on a handheld phone, eating, adjusting the radio, using GPS, or talking with passengers. Tennessee law specifically bans texting and handheld phone use while driving. 

Is texting while driving illegal in Tennessee?

Yes. Tennessee’s hands-free law bans texting, emailing, and handheld cell phone use while driving for all drivers. Texting is permitted only when the vehicle is completely stopped. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor, and evidence of a violation can support a distracted driving injury claim even without a citation.

How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s statute of limitations gives most car accident victims one year from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars recovery entirely, so victims should consult a Murfreesboro distracted driving lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.  

Who can be held liable for a distracted driving accident?

The distracted driver is typically liable, but a claim may also name the vehicle’s owner (if different), the driver’s employer (if driving for work), or another responsible party. A Murfreesboro attorney investigates phone records, employment status, and vehicle ownership to identify every liable party.

How do you prove a driver was texting at the time of a crash?

Attorneys can subpoena the at-fault driver’s cell phone records to show call, text, and data activity at the moment of the crash. Police reports, witness statements, dashcam or traffic camera footage, and vehicle event data recorders can also help establish that the driver was distracted. 

What compensation can I recover after a distracted driving accident?

Victims of distracted driving accidents can typically recover medical expenses, lost wages and future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving especially reckless conduct, Tennessee law may also allow punitive damages.  

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer after a distracted driving accident?

Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies representing distracted drivers often offer settlements well below what a claim is actually worth, especially before the full extent of injuries and future medical costs is known. An attorney can evaluate the offer and negotiate on your behalf.

How dangerous is distracted driving in Rutherford County/Murfreesboro?

Distracted driving remains a significant cause of crashes in Rutherford County. Tennessee Department of Safety data recorded 956 distracted-driving crashes in the county in 2024 alone, part of more than 16,000 such crashes recorded since 2014.