What is the first thing you do if you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident? If you’re like most people, you call the police. But what if the person who caused the accident happens to be the chief of police?

On September 19, 2013, Culturemap reporter Tyler Rudick filed a report stating that Houston police chief Charles McClelland had been suspended and ordered to attend driving school after striking a pedestrian who was in a crosswalk. The injuries to the victim were deemed to be minor, and he was treated at hospital and released. In a situation like this, an accident attorney in Houston would probably advise the victim to monitor his condition closely and make sure all medical documentation was in order in case of complications at a later date.

Chief McClelland accepted full responsibility for the accident, but noted that he was driving slowly, wearing his seatbelt and wasn’t texting or talking on a cell phone. It’s interesting that he mentioned cell phone use, because research shows that over 20% of motor vehicle accidents nation-wide involve people who are using cell phones while driving. Even if you just glance at your phone to see who is texting you, you can be distracted for long enough to cause an accident, and other parties to the incident could demand your phone records in the event of a court case.

When driving, don’t use your cell phone. If you absolutely must make or receive a call or send a text, pull off the road first. And if you should have the misfortune to be involved in an accident, contact Kirkendall Dwyer LLP at 713-522-3529. It takes only a minute to make the call, and after your consultation (which is free), any time that has to be devoted to your claim will be the responsibility of a dedicated Kirkendall Dwyer LLP accident attorney in Houston.