A Bethlehem distracted driving accident lawyer can help you hold negligent drivers accountable if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another party’s inattention behind the wheel. In a busy city like Bethlehem, where I-78 and Route 378 funnel commuters, commercial trucks, and students through the same corridors, distracted driving accidents are an all-too-common and dangerous reality.
Distractions like texting, GPS use, and in-car adjustments may seem minor, but they can lead to horrific crashes with life-changing injuries. Victims are often left facing a mountain of medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries, while insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Understanding how distracted driving claims work in Pennsylvania is critical to protecting your rights and your financial future.
That’s where Munley Law’s Bethlehem car accident lawyers make the difference. With over six decades of experience, a track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts, and the resources to take on aggressive insurers, we will fight to recover the maximum compensation. Our fees are contingency-based, so there are no legal costs unless we obtain a favorable outcome.
Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation to discuss the merits of your case.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in any activity that takes his or her attention away from the road. There are three main categories of distracted driving:
- Visual: When a driver takes his or her eyes off the road (i.e., texting and driving)
- Manual: When a driver takes his or her hands off the wheel (i.e., when a driver is putting on makeup or eating while driving)
- Cognitive: When a driver is thinking about something other than driving (i.e., when a driver is daydreaming or fatigued while driving)
What Are the Most Common Forms of Distracted Driving?
According to the National Safety Council, an average of 9 people died in distracted driving-related accidents every day in 2020 alone.
The most common forms of distracted driving are:
- Texting while driving
- Looking at your GPS
- Watching a video
- Adjusting music or radio controls
- Applying makeup
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at the surrounding scenery rather than looking at the road
- Eating or drinking coffee
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
Call us at (844) 686-5397 Why is Distracted Driving so Dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone on the road, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Just like the risks of drunk driving, if a driver isn’t paying attention while driving, it significantly reduces their reaction times.
Think about it – let’s say a driver is changing the music. Their eyes are darting back and forth from the radio to the road. In those seconds when the driver’s eyes are on the radio, a car pulls out in front of them and slams on the brakes. It will take the driver only seconds to see the car and slow to a stop. Sometimes, the distracted driver may never see the car pull out in front. Motorists fleeing the scene of an accident are more common when they’re unaware of the damage’s severity or don’t notice witnesses.
Similarly, if a driver daydreams and a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk, the driver may fail to see the pedestrian. When drivers become distracted, they can easily swerve into a cyclist in the bike lane.
What Are Pennsylvania’s Distracted Driving Laws?
Paul Miller’s Law, which came into effect on June 5, 2025, defines the use of any interactive mobile device while driving as illegal. While Pennsylvania allows talking on a cell phone while driving, it prohibits all forms of texting while driving. This includes sending, reading, or writing text-based messages, emails, or similar activities. Penalties include a $50 fine, court costs, and other fees.
The law treats this as a primary offense, meaning a police officer can pull you over and issue a citation if they observe you texting, even if you have not committed any other driving violation. If an accident occurs because a driver is distracted by their cell phone, they may face a personal injury claim that could cost them thousands of dollars.
What are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe or even fatal. The exact nature and severity of the injuries depend on many factors, such as the speed at which the accident occurred, the type of collision, the vehicle’s safety features, and whether the individuals involved were wearing seatbelts.
Some of the most common injuries victims sustain from distracted driving accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (including paralysis)
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage
- Amputation
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These injuries not only cause the victim extreme physical pain, but can also be an extraordinary financial burden. For example, medical expenses associated with traumatic brain injuries can cost a patient over $3 million in their lifetime. Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis can cost over $1 million in the first year after the accident and then over $150,000 every year following.
Very few people are financially prepared for a catastrophic event. That’s where Munley Law comes in. Our distracted driving accident attorneys will seek maximum compensation so you and your family can focus on recovery instead of being bogged down in financial distress.
How Often Does Distracted Driving Occur?
According to PennDOT, 83% of PA crashes are due to driver behavior, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving. In 2024, there were almost 5,000 vehicle crashes reported in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, of which approximately 8.5% were due to distracted driving.
Filing any type of accident claim can be overwhelming and complex, especially if you’re dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. A Munley Law distracted driving accident lawyer can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Our attorneys will also build a rock-solid case to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
How Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law Can Affect Your Lawsuit
The state of Pennsylvania practices comparative negligence when determining fault in personal injury lawsuits. This rule allows for the distribution of fault. Under this rule, each party is held responsible for the damages in proportion to their fault. There are two types of comparative negligence: pure and modified.
Pure Comparative Negligence allows a damaged party to recover compensation even if they are 99% at fault, although their recovery is reduced by their degree of fault. Let’s take your distracted driving accident as an example. The other driver was distracted at the time of the accident. But let’s say you were speeding at the time of the accident. If it’s determined that you were 30% at fault for speeding, and the other driver was 70% at fault for distracted driving, and your total damages were $10,000, you would be able to recover 70% of your damages, or $7,000, under a pure comparative negligence rule.
Modified Comparative Negligence is a slight variation, which reduces the victim’s ability to recover damages if they are found to be equally to blame (50% rule) or more to blame (51% rule) than the defendant. Using the same scenario, under a 51% rule, if you were found to be 50% at fault, you could still recover $5,000 (50% of your damages). But if you were found to be 51% at fault, you could not recover anything.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Distracted Driving Claim?
Munley Law has nearly 70 years of experience handling serious motor vehicle accident claims across Bethlehem and Pennsylvania, including cases caused by distracted driving. Our distracted driving attorneys have secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for crash victims, with notable results including vehicle accident verdicts and settlements exceeding $26 million, reflecting our ability to win high-stakes cases.
Partners such as Robert W. Munley, Daniel Munley, and Marion Munley are nationally recognized trial lawyers with extensive experience in complex auto accident litigation. Munley Law is consistently recognized by leading legal organizations, including:
- Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- Irish Legal 100
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The American Association for Justice
- The Pennsylvania Association for Justice
Just as important, we are known for our ethical practice, compassionate client care, and aggressive advocacy. Our distracted driving attorneys are always trial-ready, preparing each case as if it will go to trial. Clients pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you, and we will fight relentlessly to recover full and fair compensation.
FAQs About Distracted Driving in Bethlehem, PA
What Counts as Distracted Driving in Bethlehem, PA?
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or focus off the road, such as texting, handheld phone use, adjusting GPS, eating, or mentally drifting while driving.
Is Distracted Driving a Primary Offense in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Police can stop and ticket a driver solely for distracted driving, even if no other traffic law was broken.
Can I Sue a Distracted Driver After a Crash in Bethlehem?
Yes. If a distracted driver caused your injuries, you may pursue a personal injury claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Do You Prove a Driver Was Distracted in an Accident?
Proof of distraction may include phone records, police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data gathered during an investigation.
Does Pennsylvania’s Hands-Free Law Apply at Red Lights?
Yes. Drivers may not use a handheld device while stopped in traffic or at a red light unless the vehicle is legally parked.
What Compensation Is Available After a Distracted Driving Accident?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Pennsylvania allows compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced by your share of responsibility.
Why Should I Hire a Bethlehem Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer?
A local lawyer knows Bethlehem traffic conditions, Pennsylvania injury laws, and how to challenge insurers who try to downplay distracted driving claims.
Call a Munley Law Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
Let a Munley Law distracted driving accident lawyer fight for your rights and ensure you bring home the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you will not pay us a dime unless we win a settlement or verdict in your favor.
While you focus on getting your life back on track, we will focus on recovering fair compensation and bringing justice to your situation. Call today for your free consultation so we can get started right away.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
