Distracted driving is dangerous driving behavior that can cause serious accidents. Importantly, the personal injury legal process provides protections for victims injured by distracted drivers. Distracted driving can be considered negligence which may create legal liability for the distracted driver.
In Pennsylvania, texting while driving is prohibited as a primary offense. Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines all three tops of distracted driving including manual, visual and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions refer to removing the driver’s hands from the steering wheel; visual distractions refer to removing the driver’s hands from the wheel; and cognitive distraction refers to removing the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway.
There are also a variety of other dangerous distracted driving behaviors including cell phone use while driving; reading while driving; grooming while driving; eating while driving; operating a radio or navigation device while driving; and many others. In addition to facing a fine for distracted driving, a distracted driver may also face liability to injured victims for the damages they have suffered in a distracted driving-related car accident.
Personal injury protection includes help with the victim’s physical, financial and emotional damages. Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages caused by the distracted driver. A personal injury claim for damages can help victims with the harm they have suffered at the hands of a careless distracted driver which is a legal protection victims should be familiar with.
