Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in Philadelphia. The law limits the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving in Pennsylvania; to be sure, Pennsylvania was the 35th state to ban texting while driving. This law includes reading messages, writing or sending messages on a handheld or pad electronic device.
Risk for Car Accident
The use of electronic devices is certainly a major factor in distracted driving. Distracted driving may include a number of activities such as eating, applying makeup, reading, and texting, to name just a few. Of these, texting and cell phone use in general makes up a good portion of associated accidents. Federal data found that as many as 3,154 people died in traffic accidents that involved distracted drivers and a whopping 424,000 were injured. In fact, according to a study completed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 6 out of 10 moderate to severe traffic accidents involving teen drivers were due to distracted driving, with cell phones cited as the most common problem.
Devices That Put You at Risk
The most common device that puts you at risk for a distracted driving accident is the cell phone. However, there are other electronic devices that may also be risky. Some of these devices include:
- Cell phone;
- Tablet;
- Smart phone;
- Reading device; and
- Any device that requires input.
Liability and Distracted Driving Accidents
Liability, or fault for an accident, is determined in a number of ways. If the driver of a vehicle is suspected of cell phone use while driving they may be considered liable and negligent. Negligence means that you acted in a manner that you knew could cause an accident or serious injury. Because cell phone use is illegal while driving, its use could mean that you are responsible for the car accident. Police investigating the accident will interview the driver and passengers and other witnesses to determine whether the driver may have been using an electronic device. Further, if use is suspected, cell phone records may be acquired to assess cell phone use at the precise time the accident occurred.
What If I Was Injured By a Driver Due to Cell Phone Use?
If you were injured due to an accident caused by a distracted driver you may be entitled to compensation. Liability and negligence in the accident must be determined. If the other driver was negligent because of cell phone use that caused the accident, they and their insurance company will be responsible for payment of your medical expenses and other damages. Distracted driving accidents may cause very serious injuries as well as property damage. If you are the victim of such an accident contact the legal team at The Pearce Law Firm. We have the experience and skill to resolve your case and get you the money you deserve if you have been in a car accident in Philadelphia. Contact The Pearce Law Firm today for a free personal injury consultation.