Easton, PA Distracted Driving Accident Attorney
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Lehigh Valley Personal Injury Lawyer for Distracted Driving Accidents
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to seek financial recovery through a personal injury lawsuit. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, our PA distracted driving accident attorney helps injured victims throughout the Lehigh Valley pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
Distracted driving continues to be one of the most common causes of serious injuries on Pennsylvania roads, and these crashes often leave victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term pain. Holding a distracted driver responsible can be difficult without the proper legal support. That is where we come in. Our firm has decades of experience representing car accident victims in Easton and the Lehigh Valley.
We focus on helping you recover maximum compensation for your losses so that you can focus on healing. Call 610-258-9955 today to schedule your free consultation with our Easton, PA, car accident attorney and learn how we can help you take the next step forward.
What is the Definition of Distracted Driving?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio. These behaviors significantly increase the risk of a distracted driving car accident and can result in serious harm to others.
In many distracted driving cases, the at-fault driver failed to focus on driving safely, even for only a few seconds. The distracted driver can also be held legally and financially responsible when their actions lead to injuries or property damage.
Distracted Driving Statistics in the U.S.
Distracted driving continues to be a significant concern on roadways across the United States. According to the NHTSA, 3,275 people lost their lives to distracted driving accidents in 2023. This behavior is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents nationwide, with texting while driving being one of the most dangerous distractions.
In Pennsylvania, distracted driving contributes to about one in four crashes annually, resulting in nearly 400 fatalities each year. These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws to enhance road safety.
The 3 Types of Distracted Driving
There are three main types of distractions that drivers can experience: cognitive distractions, physical or manual distractions, and visual distractions. Below are the details of each kind of distracted driving.
Mentally Distracted Driving
Mental distractions happen when a driver focuses on something other than driving. This type of distraction is also called a cognitive distraction. Common examples include daydreaming, thinking about work or personal problems, or having an intense conversation with a passenger. Even though the driver’s hands may be on the wheel and eyes on the road, their mind is not fully engaged, which can delay reaction times and decision-making.
Physically Distracted Driving
Physical or manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the wheel while driving. Manual distractions may include eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for something in the car, or using a cell phone. These actions reduce a driver’s control over the vehicle and their ability to react quickly to changes in road conditions, which can easily lead to accidents. Accidents involving physically distracted drivers may result in rear-end collisions, sideswipes, or failing to stop at traffic signals.
Visually Distracted Driving
Visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Looking at a GPS, reading a message, or even glancing at a billboard can be enough to cause a serious crash. Sending or reading a text message takes the driver’s eyes off of the road for at least 5 seconds. When driving at 55 miles per hour, this is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
While texting and driving is one of the most common forms of visual distractions, it almost always combines visual, mental, and physical distractions all at once.
Examples of Distracted Driving
Common examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cell phone
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Using a GPS or navigation system
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
These actions can take a driver’s focus off the road and increase the risk of a serious crash. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
New PA Distracted Driving Law
Pennsylvania has enacted a new distracted driving law, which went into effect on June 5, 2025. This law, also known as Paul Miller’s Law, bans using interactive mobile devices while operating a vehicle.
The law prohibits drivers from using cell phones that are not Bluetooth-connected, GPS devices, or handheld electronic equipment while the vehicle is in motion. Some examples include texting, browsing, and manually entering information while driving.
Drivers must keep both hands on the steering wheel and avoid any behavior that diverts attention from the road. Violating the law could result in severe penalties, such as hefty fines and a possible prison sentence, depending on the severity of the accident.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in PA
Violators of this law will receive a written warning during the first year of enforcement. Starting June 5, 2026, a $50 fine will be imposed for each offense. In cases where distracted driving leads to a serious accident or homicide, the driver may face a summary offense and an additional 5 years in prison.
It is important to note that insurance companies may consider citations under this law when assessing claims related to vehicle repairs and personal injury. Being deemed the at-fault driver in a distracted driving incident can have severe legal and financial consequences.
Other Consequences for Distracted Drivers
In addition to traffic citations and fines, distracted drivers may face serious financial consequences if their actions caused the victim to suffer injuries. A personal injury case can be filed against the driver, seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, potential physical therapy, depending on the injury, and other related costs.
If someone perishes in the crash, the driver could also face a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases often involve high court costs and long-term financial liability. Working with an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyer, such as Edward P. Shaughnessy, can help victims hold distracted drivers accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you are involved in a car accident that a distracted driver may have caused, your priority should be to seek medical attention, even if you do not think you are seriously hurt. After that, try to document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road signs, and any nearby visual distractions that could help support your case.
Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver, and avoid discussing fault. Notify your insurance provider, but do not give a recorded statement to the distracted driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney.
Insurance companies are often more concerned with minimizing payouts than covering your actual losses. If you have been involved in a distracted driving auto accident, Attorney Edward P. Shaughnessy can help ensure you receive the best possible outcome. As an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer, he will fight for compensation on your behalf to maximize your settlement, so you can focus on recovery.
Who Is Liable in a Distracted Driving Accident?
In many cases, the distracted driver is held responsible for the car accident, especially if their behavior, texting or looking away from the road, contributed directly to the crash. However, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law means that more than one party can share fault. If your actions also contributed to the collision, that could affect how much compensation you can recover.
Still, distracted driving is widely recognized as a form of negligence. If the accident was fully or partially caused by distracted driving, Pennsylvania distracted driving accident lawyer Ed Shaughnessy can help prove that the other driver’s negligence played a role in your injuries.
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Distracted
Proving the other driver was distracted during a car accident requires detailed evidence. Cell phone records can show if the driver was texting or calling during the crash. Police reports may include observations or witness statements that support your case.
In some situations, dash cam footage, surveillance video, or crash scene photos can also help prove negligence. Working with car accident experts, or crash reconstruction experts, can strengthen your insurance claim as well. Experts may be able to reconstruct the crash and identify signs of distracted behavior behind the wheel.
How a Distracted Driving Lawyer in Easton Can Help
A personal injury lawyer in Easton, PA, can guide you through every step of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance companies. If you have suffered a personal injury in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for immediate costs and future medical expenses.
Your attorney will be able to gather evidence to prove that the distracted driver caused the accident and calculate the damage you may be owed. Attorney Shaughnessy will focus on building a strong case that reflects the full extent of your losses and helps you recover the financial support you need to move forward.
Why Choose Ed Shaughnessy as Your Easton Distracted Driving Attorney?
Choosing Ed Shaughnessy as your Easton distracted driving attorney means working with someone who offers personalized representation to every client. He has spent decades standing up for victims of negligence in Easton, Pennsylvania, and throughout the Lehigh Valley, helping them pursue fair compensation for their injuries, losses, and long-term needs.
Unlike large firms that may pass your case around, Ed provides one-on-one attention and clear communication every step of the way. As one of the area’s most trusted Pennsylvania car accident lawyers, he knows how to handle insurance companies that try to minimize claims and works hard to protect your rights.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact Easton Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer Edward P. Shaughnessy Today
Cell phone use while driving is not just reckless and negligent: it’s now illegal in Pennsylvania. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you have a right to full and fair compensation. As a trusted distracted driving accident lawyer, Edward P. Shaughnessy is ready to help you file a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain.
We have many clients come to us after being let down by bigger personal injury lawyers in the area. At our firm, we’re proud to be able to provide each of our clients with personalized legal attention. Not only that, but our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay anything unless we win your case.
Contact us online or by phone at 610-258-9955 today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
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