Is Texting And Driving A Crime?

While most people agree that texting and driving can be a dangerous combination, there is not a complete ban against it in all states. Missouri is one of those states. Keep reading to learn more about some of the unique laws of texting and driving.

Texting & Driving - Illegal In Missouri?

 Under Missouri law, texting and driving is not illegal as long as the driver:
  • is at least 22 years of age
  • is operating a personal vehicle (not a commercial one)
Many people are surprised to learn that it is not illegal for adults in Missouri to text and drive Missouri is one of only four states to not yet have a state-wide ban against texting and driving (Texas, Arizona, and Montana are the other states currently without a total ban against the practice).

Should I Allow Myself To Text & Drive?

Though it is not necessarily illegal (at this time) for adults to text and drive, it does not mean it is a safe. Texting and driving can, and sometimes does, lead to serious car accidents and physical injuries. The consequences of injuring another driver as a result of being distracted on the road by texting can be severe. If you injure other drivers or passengers, you could be subject to any (or several) of the following consequences.

Increased Insurance Expenses
If you are deemed at-fault for an auto accident, your insurance premiums will likely increase. Car insurance companies determine their patrons' premium costs based upon risk. If you are at fault for an accident, you will likely be viewed as more likely to cause future accidents and, therefore, pose a greater risk. 

Expensive Medical Bills
A serious car accident can result in steep medical bills, both for you and the other parties involved. If you are deemed at-fault, then you will likely be held responsible for covering the other parties' medical costs. While your insurance company may cover these expenses for the people you injure, it likely will not cover yours.  You may also see financial consequences down the line, such as an increase in your insurance premiums.

Felony Criminal Charges
Texting and driving that results in an accident with injuries or death to others can come with steep penalties, including  a criminal conviction, fines, restitution, imprisonment, jail and a permanent criminal record.

Facing Consequences? Contact O'Donnell Law Center

If you are being charged with a crime following a car accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, don't hesitate to reach out to our attorney in Osage Beach MO.  Visit our website or call us at 573-552-0317 to learn more about how we may be able to help you.
We Carry Your Burden ~ You Carry On With Life.

Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.


Phone: (573) 552-0317

O'Donnell Law Center
1026 Palisades Blvd. Suite 3

Osage Beach, MO  65065
Location: Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Ways to Make Divorce Easier on your Children

Image
Divorce is a tough time for everyone involved – especially kids. It can be hard for young children to understand what is happening to their family. It can be difficult for children to process this time as their family dynamic changes. As your divorce attorney in Osage Beach, MO , our law center sees a number of children struggle as their parents get a divorce at the Lake of the Ozarks. We’re here to help parents through the divorce process but we’d also like to help offer advice on how to make this stressful time easier on your kids, as well. 1) Be Honest It’s best to be honest about your divorce with your kids. While they may not need to know all the ugly details, they deserve to know what is going on with their parents. Have an open conversation about your divorce from your spouse and let them know they can ask any questions they may have. Try to answer any questions in an honest and positive manor. 2) Encourage them to Share Feelings You should always encourage your kid...
Read more

Cremation vs Burial – What’s the Difference?

Image
Planning for end of life may come with more decisions than you first expect. Creating an estate plan near the Lake of the Ozarks can help relieve your loved ones from having to make many tough decisions upon your passing. Not only can you decide who will receive your assets, you can also plan your end of life wishes for being laid to rest. Our estate planning attorney in Camden County, Missouri wants to help inform you of some of the decisions you’ll need to make as you make your end of life plans. In this week’s blog, we’re comparing the difference between cremation and burial options for being laid to rest. All About Cremation: Cremation is the act of being incinerated until your remains become ashes. This method of body disposal is becoming more and more popular. Timeframe – cremation can take place further after death. The flexibility with time allows your family time to gather and plan a more personalized ceremony. Paying Respects – family and friends can memorialize th...
Read more

Meet Attorney Deirdre O'Donnell!

Image
Positive and genuine client relationships are our number one priority at O'Donnell Law Center. We truly care about getting to know our clients so we can provide them with the best possible legal services at the Lake of the Ozarks . We recognize that strong relationships are a two-way street, though, so this week we're dedicating our blog to helping you get to know the Lake of the Ozarks' top attorney , Ms. Deirdre O'Donnell. Getting to Know Deirdre! I was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 22, 1962. I graduated from Pattonville High School in St. Louis County and went on to earn a BA from Washington University in St. Louis, a Master's Degree in Social Work from Washington University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Washington University School of Law. By 1996, I was licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri. In my young adult years, I played keyboard and performed in various St. Louis venues in a contemporary jazz band. I later worked a...
Read more