Distracted driving is often the cause of car accidents 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 lawyer from Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco 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 pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earnings, and more.
As more people have their cell phone 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 license, and may even spend time in jail. 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. It’s important to know how serious this issue is and how it’s affecting people every day.
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 cost 3,450 people their lives in 2016. About 481,000 drivers use their cell phone while driving. They may be using their navigational system, making a phone call, texting, or checking social media.
Texting a driving is a serious safety hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the following:
- Distracted driving kills about 9 people each day.
- Texting and driving is among the leading cause of death for teenagers.
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. In Pennsylvania, there is a law that prohibits drivers from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) while driving.
- Violating this law is a primary offense.
- An IWCD includes wireless phones, smartphones, computers, personal digital assistants, and any device that can be used to communicate wirelessly.
- This law goes above local ordinances.
- The penalty is a $50 fine.
- This ban doesn’t include using a GPS system or device that’s integrated into the vehicle.
- Violations do not have 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 Do Cell Phones Distract Drivers?
Texting and driving prevents drivers from remaining focused and safe. The CDC lists out three main ways that using cell phones puts drivers at risk of getting into a car wreck.
- When you’re looking at your phone, you’re taking your eyes off the road. You won’t be able to see any sudden stops, if a car makes a lane change, or if someone is about to swerve into you.
- 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.
- 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, our texting and driving attorneys in Philadelphia will look into your case and determine how the accident happened. We’ll hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Distracted Driving Accident Injuries
Because distracted driving gives you less time to react to situations on the road and less control of the vehicle, a resulting crash may cause devastating injuries. Victims may suffer from catastrophic injuries that can affect them for the rest of their lives or make them unable to work for a prolonged amount of time.
There can also be 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.
Let a Philadelphia Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer 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 the points of your case and talk about your options. We’re always to help.
