Cell Phone Car Accidents

Injured By Someone Distracted By Their Cell Phone?

Many drivers consider their time behind the wheel as an opportunity to make phone calls and send text messages. Maybe you have even found yourself guilty of this at one time or another. You think to yourself — it will only take a second. Try five seconds, which is the minimum amount of time your attention is taken off the road while texting and driving. In those five seconds, you can travel the length of a football field without ever glancing at the road. Simply put, using a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous, especially texting and driving.

What happens when a distracted driver who is dialing a phone or sending a text message slams into you causing serious injury to you or someone you care about? As a result of their careless decision, you are left injured, worried, and confused. You may have had to take time off of work. Your medical bills are piling up. You may be asking yourself, "Do I Have a Case?"

Texting Ban for Pennsylvania Drivers

As of March 8, 2012, texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Pennsylvania. Here are the laws related to texting while driving:

• Drivers are prohibited from using interactive wireless devices – including cell phones, smartphones, etc. – to text while their vehicle is in motion.
• "Texting" includes writing, sending, and responding to texts and instant messages, e-mails, and any other type of written communication.
• Surfing the web is also illegal while the vehicle is in motion.
• The law bans drivers from using wireless Bluetooth accessories, as these can be paired with some phone applications to read and write text messages. However, cars with wireless integrated phone systems are excluded from the law.
• Texting while driving is now a primary offense, which means police officers can pull over any driver suspected of texting while driving, even if they are not violating any other traffic laws. Drivers who are caught texting while driving will be fined $50 for each offense.

Federal Ban on Texting for Truck and Bus Drivers

As of January 26, 2010, all commercial vehicle drivers in the United States are banned from text messaging and using hand-held cell phones while driving.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) defines a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) as any vehicle that is:

• 10,001 pounds or more
• Transporting hazardous materials
• Designed or used to carry 9 or more people, including the driver, for compensation
• Designed or used to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, not for compensation

This texting and hand-held restriction was ordered directly by the DOT and affects truckers and bus drivers across the country. Those who violate this federal ban on texting may be subject to fines up to $2,750.

Our Attorneys Help Victims Injured by Drivers Using Cell Phones

Statistics prove that texting while driving is the most dangerous activity on the road - even more dangerous than drinking and driving. That's why our attorneys at Edgar Snyder & Associates urge you to use cell phones responsibly, for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

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