If you or a loved one has been hit by another driver who was distracted by their phone, hiring a Munley Law Allentown texting while driving accident lawyer is your best option for seeking justice.
Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents. A split second of focusing on your phone can result in horrific injuries or fatalities. Munley Law’s car accident lawyers have nearly seven decades of experience in fighting for full compensation for victims of accidents, including those who’ve felt the pain of a texting-while-driving accident, and have secured millions for clients in similar situations.
Our award-winning Allentown lawyers work tirelessly to assemble evidence, negotiate with insurers, and build strong cases that hold negligent drivers accountable. Choosing the right attorney matters. We combine aggressive advocacy with compassion, guiding victims through every step of the claims process, from the first free consultation through settlement or trial. Contact Munley Law today.
Why Texting While Driving Causes Distracted Driving Accidents in Allentown
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes, if you’re driving at 55 miles per hour, you will travel the length of a football field in just 5 seconds. Doing so while reading or sending a text is like driving that far with your eyes closed.
Texting while driving accidents fall under the umbrella category of distracted driving accidents, which the NHTSA defines as “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” In 2019, distracted driving as a whole caused the deaths of more than 3,000 people in the US, and between 2020 and 2024, Pennsylvania saw 10,291 distracted driving accidents, with Lehigh County accounting for 3.95% of the total.
Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Pennsylvania?
In Allentown, texting and driving are illegal, and a base fine of $50 applies. If you have been harmed by a negligent driver, speaking to an Allentown car accident lawyer is an important next step. As of 2016, Pennsylvania’s Daniel’s Law additionally states that if a driver causes death or serious bodily injury while texting and driving, they are eligible for 5 or 2 years in jail, respectively.
Sending texts behind the wheel is unique in that it distracts the driver in multiple ways. Not only are the driver’s eyes removed from the road to either read or send a text, but their cognitive ability to drive safely is also impaired. Both reading and typing require an element of cognitive processing, and deciding what to type also requires mental decision-making. If a driver’s mental focus is diverted towards a text, they are far less capable of making smart driving decisions during that time. Finally, texting while driving requires manual distraction, as the driver takes their hand off the wheel to type a text.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2023 Traffic Safety Culture Index, 93% of people agree that texting, emailing, or using a handheld device for any reason is extremely dangerous. However, there is a disconnect between their opinions and their actions, as 27% admitted to sending a text or email while driving, and 37% acknowledged reading one.
What is the Impact of Pennsylvania’s New Distracted Driving Law in Allentown?
In response to growing concern about distracted driving incidents, Pennsylvania has enacted “Paul Miller’s Law,” which took effect on June 5, 2025. This legislation prohibits any manual interaction with mobile devices while operating a vehicle, including when stopped at traffic signals or in traffic jams. The law is named in honor of Paul Miller, a 21-year-old who tragically lost his life in 2010 due to a distracted driver.
Under this new law, any use of handheld devices for activities such as texting, scrolling through social media, or holding the phone is considered a primary offense. Exceptions are made only for emergency 911 calls or when using voice-activated functions through Bluetooth. While the first year of enforcement will involve issuing written warnings, starting June 2026, violators will face a $50 fine, in addition to court costs and other fees.
For drivers in Allentown, this law underscores the importance of attentive driving and the serious consequences of distractions behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and support during this challenging time.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Should You Do After a Texting While Driving Accident?
As with all collisions, your primary concern immediately after the collision should be to seek medical care if needed. If the other driver was reckless, consider consulting an Allentown reckless driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. After that, you should call the police. In Allentown, you legally must contact them if anyone involved in the crash is injured or if there has been a death. You also must call if any vehicle involved is damaged to the extent that it cannot operate. While you are not legally required to call the police in a crash without injuries, it’s often still best to do so, particularly if the other party was at fault. The report of what occurred can be useful if you seek compensation down the line.
The police will document the scene and use these findings to put together an official report. However, it’s also heavily advised that you document the scene yourself. This may include taking photographs of both vehicles and your injuries, documenting any property damage, and speaking to witnesses.
What Role Do Insurance Companies Have in Texting and Driving Accident Cases?
Negotiating through insurance companies is a common means of settling a collision, and your car crash lawyer can also offer additional advice on the process. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, meaning that your policy coverage is designed to protect you, as opposed to paying out to cover the other person’s claim. Because of this, you will most likely reach out to your own insurer in order to file a claim.
However, there are cases in which you are able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurer; for instance, you may do so if your injuries from the accident meet a certain standard of severity. In this case, your policy would likely cover your injuries up until a certain monetary cap, at which point further costs would be the responsibility of the other party’s insurance.
However, working with your insurance company is not always easy and does not always result in fair compensation. It’s not uncommon for victims of distracted driving accidents to experience horrific, life-altering injuries or even fatalities. In tragic cases, families can benefit from consulting an Allentown wrongful death lawyer to seek justice, only to be told by an insurer that they do not meet their standard of severity. It’s also possible to experience severe injuries that warrant filing a claim with the other party’s policy, only to find out the other party is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, knowing the average uninsured motorist settlement amount can help set realistic expectations.
In cases like these, pursuing legal action outside of insurance may be the right move. It’s wise to consult with your attorney to explore your options promptly, as your claim is subject to Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for car accidents. Talk to your lawyer to determine if a personal injury suit is the right course of action for you.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”
Daniel W. Munley
How Do You File a Texting While Driving Lawsuit in Allentown?
You can sue drivers for motor vehicle wrecks they caused while texting. However, this process can be complex and difficult to navigate without an experienced Allentown car accident attorney.
The first step in pursuing legal action against a driver who caused an accident by texting while operating a vehicle is to prove the driver’s negligence. As the plaintiff, you will need to show that the distracted driver, the defendant, failed to use reasonable care to prevent themselves and others from experiencing harm. Texting while behind the wheel certainly meets this threshold, as it’s proven to increase the chances of a crash. If the defendant received a citation for messaging while behind the wheel during the collision, they are presumed negligent, and the burden falls on them to prove otherwise.
If they did not receive a citation, proving that they were messaging while behind the wheel can be challenging. Your Munley Law auto accident attorney may begin by reviewing the defendant’s phone records to see if there is a proven timeline of a text being sent at the time of the collision. They may also obtain a copy of the official report of the accident or speak to witnesses to gather additional evidence for your case.
What are the Common Injuries Victims Face in Car Accidents from Distracted Drivers?
Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents involving texting can run the gamut from mild to severe.
- Traumatic brain injuries typically occur when the head experiences a blow or impact, causing significant damage to the brain and requiring specialized legal expertise. Car accidents are one of the most common sources of TBIs.
- Fractured or broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries. This includes an injury to the body’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury caused by accidents.
- Lacerations. Lacerations are cuts or tears to the skin or flesh, which are often caused by broken glass in the case of a crash.
- Spinal cord injuries may occur in severe car accidents, often resulting in lifelong complications.
How Can an Accident Lawyer Help Injured Drivers Recover Damages?
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a distracted driving motor vehicle accident that involves texting, you’re likely eligible for compensation. There is a range of types of damages and compensation for which you may be eligible, depending on the specific auto accident case. Your car accident attorney will review your case in detail and determine what damages you are eligible for and how much compensation this amounts to.
Damages may include:
- Property damage costs, such as repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Lost wages (this may apply if you lost your job, had to take time off work, or reduced your overall earning capacity). If your accident occurred during work duties, speak to an Allentown workers’ compensation lawyer for detailed guidance.
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medical bills and expenses
- Non-economic damages in the form of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and more
In most cases, your lawyer will begin by tallying up your economic losses (such as medical bills) and will then go on to account for your non-economic losses. This covers the cost of your mental and emotional pain and suffering, and while this can be a trickier area to put a number to, your texting while driving lawyer will work tirelessly to account for each and every part of your trauma.
This number is then presented to the defendant and their legal team. They will then either accept it or, more likely, counter with a lower offer. This is another reason it’s crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side, so they can continue to fight for you and ensure you’re not lowballed with an unfairly small settlement.
In the rare event you do need to go to trial, our car accident lawyers can protect you in the courtroom as well. Not all personal injury attorneys are able to do this, but all Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys lawyers have hands-on trial experience, so you are protected every step of the way.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer?
When you choose Munley Law, you benefit from:
- Over 250 years of combined legal experience.
- Unlike firms that focus on quick insurance negotiations, our attorneys prepare each case as if it will go to trial. That courtroom readiness, combined with personalized client attention and decades of local practice, means you get the best results and peace of mind.
- We have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and jury verdicts for victims of vehicle accidents, including a $17.5 million jury verdict for a teen killed in a car accident.
- Several partners are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which honors trial lawyers who’ve won million-dollar or multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients.
- All Munley Law partners have been named amongst the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
- Your first consultation is free, with no obligation. We will explain your rights and guide you as to the next steps. You only pay us when we win your case.
Our Allentown attorneys also have a deep knowledge of local courts, judges, and procedures, allowing us to navigate the Lehigh Valley legal system efficiently and advocate effectively for clients throughout Allentown and the surrounding communities.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Frequently Asked Questions About Texting While Driving Accidents in Allentown, PA
Is Texting While Driving Illegal in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Texting while driving is illegal statewide, including in Allentown. Pennsylvania law bans manual interaction with a phone while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a traffic light or in traffic.
What is Paul Miller’s Law, and How Does it Impact Allentown Drivers?
Paul Miller’s Law expands Pennsylvania’s distracted driving ban by prohibiting holding or manually using a phone while driving. Warnings are issued initially, with fines and court costs enforced from the beginning of June 2026.
Can Texting While Driving Be Used as Proof Of Negligence After a Crash?
Yes, texting while driving is considered distracted driving and may establish negligence. If the driver was cited for phone use, they are generally presumed at fault for the collision.
What Should I Do After a Texting While Driving Accident in Allentown?
After a texting while driving accident, get medical care, report the crash to police if there are injuries or significant damage, and document the scene with photos, witness details, and notes while memories are fresh. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation, as you can never be sure of the accident’s long-term consequences.
What if the Driver Who Was Texting is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
If the driver who was texting was underinsured or uninsured, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help determine whether additional legal action is necessary.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Texting While Driving Accident?
After a texting while driving accident, your recoverable damages may include medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering caused by the crash.
Call Our Allentown Law Firm’s Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Collision claims, including those around distracted driving accidents, can be overwhelming. Our Allentown personal injury attorneys specializing in distracted driving car accident cases have been successfully representing victims for decades. We will fight to ensure you receive the financial compensation and justice you are owed.
The team of award-winning attorneys at Munley Law will work tirelessly for you, and we do not get paid unless you win. We have a stellar record in accident cases and will ensure your claim is taken seriously. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on March 26, 2026.
