Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of serious car accidents across Tennessee, prompting renewed attention from legal experts as the state's Hands-Free Law enters a more rigorous enforcement phase. Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims in Middle Tennessee, is urging drivers to understand the heightened risks and legal changes, particularly in fast-growing Williamson County.
State data reveals that between February 2025 and January 2026, a distracted driver caused a crash roughly every 44 minutes in Tennessee. For Brentwood residents navigating busy commuter routes, school zones, and Nashville-bound traffic, this statistic translates into tangible 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Tennessee's Hands-Free Law, originally enacted in 2019, prohibits drivers from holding a phone or mobile device while driving. Violations add points to a driver's license. A recent update effective January 1, 2026, imposes an additional $5 administrative fee, raising the total cost of a single violation to $65. Enforcement has also intensified: 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.
Despite these measures, no law or patrol can undo the damage once a crash occurs. Drivers injured by distracted motorists retain 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 blame. However, the state's one-year statute of limitations provides a narrow window for personal injury victims to file claims. Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to those hurt in distracted driving crashes in Brentwood and surrounding communities. Recovering from a serious accident is demanding, and the burden of medical bills, missed work, and insurance adjusters compounds the stress. The firm's attorneys manage every aspect of the claims process, enabling clients to focus on healing.
