Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Bedford County

Some car crashes occur as a result of human error – such as failing to see another vehicle or losing control on ice. But texting while operating a motor vehicle is a choice and can have devastating consequences.

When you are injured in a texting while driving car accident in Bedford County, you should not have to bear the cost of the other driver’s poor decision. Our diligent auto collision attorneys can help you ensure the other driver is held responsible by investigating the crash, negotiating with the insurance companies, and if needed, filing a lawsuit to protect your rights.

Texting While Driving Laws

75 P.S. § 3316 makes it illegal for any driver, regardless of his or her age, to text while driving in Pennsylvania. This statute is broad enough to cover sending an e-mail, instant message, or any other form of written message using a cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device. The rule applies to any message the driver sends and to any that the driver reads or writes while operating his or her vehicle.

When you are involved in a texting and driving accident in Bedford County, this statute will not help you directly, as the criminal consequences – such as a fine – are separate from a civil claim for personal injuries. However, a skilled attorney can use the underlying facts to help prove that the other driver acted carelessly and recklessly enough that he or she should be financially responsible for the injuries that resulted from his or her actions. Additionally, because of the egregious nature of this offense, an experience attorney can pursue punitive damages that serve to punish the offender for acting recklessly.

What to Do After a Crash Involving a Distracted Driver

Car wrecks can be disorienting and stressful. It is often hard to know how to react. But the actions you take immediately after the collision can potentially impact your ability to recover in a lawsuit. Therefore, it is important to have a plan and know what to do ahead of time.

When you are involved in a car crash in Bedford County where the other driver was texting while driving, steps to take include:

• If you are injured, avoid moving more than is necessary;
• If you are able, check to see if anyone involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention;
• If possible, move the vehicles to a safe location away from the flow of traffic;
• Call the police and obtain an accident report;
• Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone at the scene of the wreck;
• If you are able, document as much evidence regarding the wreck as possible by taking photos or seeing if anyone around witnessed the crash; and
• Even if you are not seriously injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible—sometimes there may be issues you have not noticed yet, and if you wait to see a doctor, it becomes more difficult to prove those injuries are a result of the crash.

After doing these things, you should seek help from an experienced legal professional as soon as possible. Even if you do not need to file a lawsuit, a committed attorney can help ensure you know all your options and protect your rights. For instance, it is important to preserve evidence – including cell phone records, to prove that the defendant driver was texting at the time.

Reach Out to a Bedford County Texting While Driving Car Accident Attorney at Our Firm

When you are injured in a texting while driving car accident in Bedford County, you should not pay for the losses you sustained. The person who decided to text and drive should bear the financial responsibility and repay you for the damage to your property, health, and wellbeing. A lawyer with experience litigating these types of cases can help you investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and seek the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a dedicated legal professional at Marcus & Mack today.