Distracted driving continues to be a major contributor to serious car accidents across Tennessee, and recent data underscores the persistent danger. According to state statistics, a distracted driver caused a crash roughly every 44 minutes between February 2025 and January 2026. For residents of fast-growing Williamson County, including Brentwood, this translates into heightened risk on busy commuter routes and school zones.
Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims in Middle Tennessee, is drawing attention to the issue as Tennessee's Hands-Free Law enters a new enforcement phase. The law, originally enacted in 2019, prohibits drivers from holding a phone or mobile device while operating a vehicle. A recent update effective January 1, 2026, adds a $5 administrative fee, bringing the total cost of a single violation to $65. Additionally, the state ramped up enforcement in April 2026 with its "Operation Hands Free" initiative during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, deploying extra patrols across Tennessee roadways.
Despite these measures, accidents still occur. "Distracted driving has become one of the most common causes behind the cases we see," said Chris Patterson, Managing Partner at Patterson Bray PLLC. "A driver glancing at a text or scrolling through a playlist for just a few seconds can change a family's life forever. Tennessee's Hands-Free Law exists for a reason, and we're glad to see the state strengthening enforcement."
For those injured by a distracted driver, legal recourse is available but time-sensitive. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing injured drivers to recover compensation if they bear less than 50% of the fault. However, the state's one-year statute of limitations gives personal injury victims a narrow window to file a claim. Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to individuals hurt in distracted driving crashes in Brentwood and surrounding communities. The firm's attorneys manage the entire claims process, helping clients focus on recovery while dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance adjusters.
With over 20 years of experience handling complex car accident and catastrophic injury cases, Patterson Bray PLLC serves clients from offices in Memphis and Brentwood. To learn more or schedule a free consultation with their Brentwood car accident lawyers, individuals can contact the firm directly.
