Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of serious car accidents across Tennessee, and a Brentwood law firm is urging drivers to take notice as the state strengthens its Hands-Free Law. Patterson Bray PLLC, which represents injury victims in Middle Tennessee, is drawing attention to the issue as enforcement intensifies, particularly in fast-growing Williamson County.
State data reveals that between February 2025 and January 2026, a distracted driver caused a crash in Tennessee roughly every 44 minutes. For residents of Brentwood, a community shaped by busy commuter routes, school zones, and heavy traffic toward Nashville, this statistic translates into real danger on familiar roads.
"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."
Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, in effect since 2019, prohibits drivers from holding a phone or mobile device while driving. A violation adds points to a driver's license. An update effective January 1, 2026, imposes a $5 administrative fee, raising the total cost of a single violation to $65. Enforcement has also ramped up. In April 2026, the state revived its "Operation Hands Free" initiative during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, deploying extra patrols across Tennessee roadways to catch offenders.
However, no law or patrol can undo the damage once a crash occurs. Drivers injured by a distracted motorist have legal options, but time is limited. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing injured drivers to recover compensation if they bear less than 50% of the fault. 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 anyone hurt in a distracted driving crash in Brentwood or surrounding communities. Recovering from a serious accident is challenging, and the burden of medical bills, lost work, and insurance adjusters adds to the strain. The firm's attorneys manage every aspect of the claims process so clients can focus on healing.
Patterson Bray PLLC is a Tennessee law firm with offices in Memphis and Brentwood, offering legal services in personal injury, business litigation, estate planning, asset protection, family law, and more. With over 20 years of experience handling complex car accident and catastrophic injury cases, the firm's attorneys are committed to helping Tennessee families recover the compensation they deserve. To learn more or schedule a free consultation with one of the firm's Brentwood car accident lawyers, call or message their office today.
