Patterson Bray PLLC Highlights Distracted Driving Risks as Tennessee Strengthens Hands-Free Law

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious car accidents across Tennessee, and the problem shows no signs of slowing down. Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee, is calling attention to the issue as Tennessee's Hands-Free Law enters a new phase of enforcement: one that local drivers, particularly those in fast-growing Williamson County, should understand.

State data shows that between February 2025 and January 2026, a distracted driver caused a crash in Tennessee roughly every 44 minutes. For drivers in Brentwood—a community shaped by busy commuter routes, school zones, and a steady stream of Nashville-bound traffic—that translates into real risk 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 has been around since 2019. It bars drivers from holding a phone or mobile device behind the wheel, and breaking the rule puts points on your license. A recent update, which took effect January 1, 2026, tacks on a $5 administrative fee, pushing the total cost of a single violation to $65. Enforcement has intensified as well. This past April, the state brought back its "Operation Hands Free" initiative for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, sending extra patrols out across Tennessee roadways to catch drivers in the act.

Still, no law or patrol can undo the damage once a crash happens. Drivers hurt by a distracted motorist do have options, but the clock starts running fast. Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule, which lets injured drivers recover compensation as long as they carry less than 50% of the blame. The state's one-year statute of limitations, however, gives personal injury victims a narrow window to file.

Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to anyone hurt in a distracted driving crash in Brentwood or the surrounding communities. Recovering from a serious accident is demanding on its own, and the weight of medical bills, missed work, and persistent insurance adjusters only adds to the burden. The firm's attorneys manage every part of the claims process so clients can put their full attention on healing.

To learn more or schedule a free consultation with one of the firm's Brentwood car accident lawyers, call or message their office today.