Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous and reckless behaviors on the road. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 300,000 people suffer injuries in crashes caused by drivers distracted by their phones every year. If you were injured in an accident with a texting driver, you deserve justice. Below, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers provide a detailed overview of how texting and driving accident claims work and what steps you can take to recover the compensation you deserve.
Texting While Driving: A Deadly Distraction
Few things are more dangerous than texting behind the wheel. It takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving—a deadly combination. Research shows that reading or sending a text message takes an average of five seconds. At highway speeds, that is enough time for a vehicle to travel the length of a football field completely unattended. Even at lower speeds, the risk of causing a severe crash is significantly heightened.
Texting While Driving is Illegal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has strict laws banning texting while driving. Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3316, it is illegal for drivers to use a mobile device to send, read, or write text-based communications while operating a vehicle.
A major legal change is coming:
Starting June 5, 2025, texting while driving will become a primary offense in Pennsylvania. This means police officers will have the authority to pull over and ticket drivers simply for using a handheld mobile device while behind the wheel—without needing any other reason to initiate the stop.
A Texting Driver Can Be Held Liable for a Serious Crash
When a driver causes an accident due to texting, they can and should be held legally accountable for the damages they cause. Victims of these crashes may pursue full financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment)
- Lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress and reduced quality of life)
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
To prove liability, you must establish that the driver was negligent. Since texting while driving is a clear form of negligence, strong evidence can be used to prove fault. This may include:
- Phone records showing the driver was using their device at the time of the crash
- Eyewitness statements from passengers or other drivers
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage capturing the driver’s distraction
- Police reports indicating citations for texting while driving
A comprehensive investigation is crucial to building a strong case. An experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney can help gather evidence and fight for your rights.
Why Trust the Texting While Driving Accident Lawyers at Quinn Injury Lawyers?
At Quinn Injury Lawyers, we know how devastating a distracted driving crash can be. We are committed to securing justice for our clients and have recovered millions in compensation for injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But do not just take our word for it—our client testimonials speak for themselves.
When you choose our Philadelphia texting and driving accident lawyers, we will:
- Listen to your story and answer all your legal questions
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the crash
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf
- Take legal action to maximize your compensation if necessary
Contact a Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Quinn Injury Lawyers, we are here to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a texting while driving accident. Our experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
We have offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, proudly serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.