Bucks County Texting While Driving Accident Attorney
Our Law Firm Draws upon More Than 30 Years of Experience
Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous, as it takes drivers’ eyes off the road for enough time to slow reaction times and cause serious car crashes. If you or a loved one is injured as a result of another motorist’s cell phone use while driving, seek guidance from the skilled Bucks County auto accident attorneys at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. We represent clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania in a wide range of personal injury cases, and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
Looking down at a cell phone to read or answer a text while simultaneously operating a vehicle removes a driver’s focus from the road and makes accidents much more likely. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were more than 3,300 fatalities and about 421,000 injuries in car crashes caused by distracted driving in 2012 alone. In addition, a Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study found that texting while driving makes the risk of getting into an auto accident up to 23 times worse. While this is a particularly rampant issue among younger drivers, people of all ages may text and drive at least once in a while, and they all have the ability to cause serious harm.
There are other cell phone-related activities that can result in distracted driving accidents. This includes using apps and social media like Facebook and Twitter, taking photos, programming the GPS and talking on the phone without using a hands-free device. All of these acts require a driver to divert his or her attention from the road.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey Laws Prohibit Texting While Driving
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for any driver to text while operating a vehicle. It is legal, however, to talk on a cell phone, although some municipalities have banned this practice for those not using a hands-free system. New Jersey’s laws are more stringent, as the use of all handheld mobile devices is banned statewide. Law enforcement officials typically issue traffic tickets to individuals caught texting while driving, resulting in fines of $140 in Pennsylvania and up to $400 in New Jersey.
Taking Action after an Auto Accident
If you are injured in a car accident that resulted from another driver’s cell phone use, you may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other physical and emotional pain and suffering. Texting while driving is a form of negligence, and drivers who engage in this irresponsible action should be held accountable. In both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, accident victims must file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the date of the incident or the date that injuries first become apparent, so it’s important to consult a skilled lawyer as soon as possible to maximize your legal options.
Contact a Skilled Legal Team in Bucks County, PA
Texting while driving is irresponsible, and the team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. help you seek compensation if you or a loved one suffers injury as a result of another driver’s negligence. You are entitled to coverage, and we are focused on getting the results you deserve. With offices located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, we’re easily accessible to clients throughout the region. Call us today at 215-968-6602 or contact us online to learn more about taking legal action.