Distracted driving is often the cause of car accidents in Philadelphia, where people can sustain terrible injuries or possibly lose their lives. Recovering from a car accident can be a slow and expensive process. It’s likely you’ll be waiting for your injuries to heal while paying for your medical expenses and missing work. If you’ve been injured because a negligent driver was using their cell phone, a Philadelphia texting and driving accident lawyer can help you with your claim.
Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco is dedicated to helping car accident victims get the justice they deserve. Reckless drivers need to take responsibility for what they’ve done. We will fight to get you compensation that covers your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and future lost earnings, and more.
As more people have their cell phones with them at nearly all times, the laws are catching up. In many states, texting and driving is illegal. People can face hefty fines, risk losing their licenses, and may even spend time in jail for violating existing laws. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always stop people from using their phones. They may believe that they can multitask, but they’re really putting lives on the line. Contact us for a free consultation to understand your rights if you’ve been hurt or a family member has died.
Texting and Driving Statistics
Texting and driving is a form of distracted driving, which is a major problem that causes car wrecks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving took 3,308 lives throughout the U.S. in 2022. Many of those drivers used their cell phone navigational system, made a phone call, sent a text, or checked social media when their crash occurred.
Let’s put the danger in perspective. Reading a text message usually takes about five seconds; however, if you’re traveling on a highway at 55 mph, you can drive more than the length of a football field in that time. Failing to pay attention to the road at any point increases your chances of causing a car accident.
Pennsylvania Ban on Texting-While-Driving
Cell phone use in a car varies from state to state. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation outlines the law that prohibits drivers from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) while driving. It states the following:
- Violating this law is a primary offense
- An IWCD includes wireless phones, smartphones, computers, personal digital assistants, and any other device that can be used to communicate wirelessly
- This law goes above local ordinances
- The penalty for violating this law is a $50 fine
- This ban doesn’t include using a GPS system or device that’s integrated into the vehicle
- Violations do not carry with them points as a penalty
- Violations won’t be recorded on non-commercial drivers’ records
While laws and awareness are meant to reduce and hopefully prevent car accidents, people are still negligent. When these people cause you harm, you have every right to seek legal action.
How Does Texting and Driving Distract Motorists?
Texting and driving prevents drivers from remaining focused and safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes three main ways that using cell phones distract drivers, putting them at risk of getting into a car wreck, which are:
- Visual: When you’re looking at your phone, you’re taking your eyes off the road. You may not notice if a car makes a lane change or if someone is about to swerve into you if you’re distracted by your phone.
- Cognitive: Texting takes your mind completely off driving. You’re focusing on the task at hand, which is using your phone. You won’t be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Manual: Texting will require you to remove one of your hands from the steering wheel. You won’t have full control of the vehicle and may swerve or run off the road.
If you’ve been in a car accident because the driver was texting, be sure to reach out to a Philadelphia texting and driving accident lawyer to review your case and determine where liability for it lies. If someone’s reckless actions caused it to occur, you can rest assured our legal team, Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, will do everything necessary to hold them accountable for actions. So, contact us for a free consultation now.
Texting and Driving Injuries
Because distracted driving gives you less time to react to situations on the road and less control of the vehicle, these car accidents can cause devastating injuries. Some people may suffer from catastrophic injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives or make them unable to work for a prolonged amount of time.
There are also instances of psychological injuries. People can develop depression following a car accident or a fear of driving or getting into a car. These issues may require professional care, which can be expensive.
Is Distracted Driving Considered Negligent?
Yes, distracted driving is considered negligent behavior. Texting, along with other distracting behaviors, such as adjusting the radio or using a phone, diverts a driver’s attention from the road. In turn, these individuals fail to exercise reasonable care. Many times, this lack of attention leads to accidents, injuries, and property damage.
If you have been a victim of distracted driving accidents, you have the right to take legal action and recover damages related to:
- Medical expenses related to injuries suffered
- Pain and suffering resulting from the accident
- Lost wages you’ve amassed during your recovery or due to your reduced capacity to earn an income
- Property damage, including damage to your vehicle
While distracted driving may be a main cause of the accident, what happens if your actions also contributed to the crash? Pennsylvania is one of the few states that follow a modified comparative negligence law. Under this law, you can file a personal injury claim if your responsibility for the accident is less than 51%.
If you’ve been injured, consider contacting our Philadelphia texting and driving accident lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
Let a Philadelphia Texting and Driving Accident Attorney Help You
If you’ve been wrongfully hurt by a distracted driver, we’re here to help you. Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco understands how stressful filing a claim can be while you’re worried about expenses and when you will recover. We can lift a heavy burden off your shoulders and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll go over your case and talk about your options. We’re always to help.
