In 2022 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives and caused injuries to 391,000 people. A significant contributor to these alarming statistics is cell phone use while driving. With an estimated 660,000 drivers using their phones behind the wheel each day, the risk is clear. Even a brief glance at your phone—just five seconds at 55 mph—is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. It’s no surprise that those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, often within mere seconds of becoming distracted.
In response to this growing threat, Pennsylvania has enacted a strict texting-while-driving ban. This law prohibits any driver from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read, or write a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion. The penalties include a $50 fine, along with court fees and other associated costs. While no points are added to a driver’s record—unless they are a commercial driver—the consequences of distracted driving can be severe.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact Freeburn Law at (717) 777-7777. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process.
The Dangers of Texting and Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. In Pennsylvania, drivers who text while behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to cause an accident. The short distraction of reading or sending a text can lead to serious consequences, including severe injuries and fatalities. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they jeopardize not only their lives but also the safety of others on the road.
Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, texting while driving is strictly prohibited by law. The state’s texting-while-driving ban forbids any driver from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read, or write a text-based communication while the vehicle is in motion. This law was put in place to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents and protect everyone on the road. Violating this law can lead to fines and other penalties, though it may not add points to the driver’s record unless they are a commercial driver.
This restriction applies to all drivers, regardless of age or experience. The intent is to minimize distractions and reduce the number of accidents on the road. While the law imposes a $50 fine for violations, the true cost of texting while driving could be much higher if others were injured or killed because of your actions.
How Can You Prove that Texting Caused an Accident?
Law enforcement uses various methods to prove that texting caused an accident. The process typically involves gathering evidence that directly links your phone use to the timing of the collision. This evidence can be compelling in demonstrating that texting was the primary factor that led to the accident. Below are some of the ways police can establish this connection:
- Phone Records: Subpoenaing your phone records to verify if a text was sent or received at the time of the accident.
- Witness Statements: Gathering statements from witnesses who may have seen you using your phone while driving.
- Vehicle Data: Analyzing the vehicle’s onboard system for data that might indicate distracted driving behavior, such as sudden braking or lack of steering input.
- Camera Footage: Reviewing footage from traffic or security cameras that may have captured you using your phone while driving.
These pieces of evidence, when combined, can strongly support the case that texting caused the accident.
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, our experienced texting and driving accident attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Our team will gather crucial evidence, such as phone records, witness statements, and accident reports, to build a strong case. We’ll work diligently to prove that the other driver’s texting directly caused the accident, establishing their liability.
Throughout the process, we’ll handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Freeburn Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a texting and driving accident in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to seek legal representation promptly. Our experienced attorneys at Freeburn Law are here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. We have several offices throughout Central Pennsylvania, including locations in Harrisburg, York, Selinsgrove, Kingston, Lebanon, Lewistown, Lancaster, and Johnstown, to better serve our clients. If you can’t come to us, we will come to your home or meet you in the hospital.
We are available 24/7, including evenings and weekends. Contact Freeburn Law today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
