Distracted Driving Accidents in Pennsylvania: What Drivers in Luzerne County Should Know

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Pennsylvania. Even with increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns, distracted driving continues to injure thousands of people every year—causing severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial losses.

If you were hit by a distracted driver in Luzerne County or Northeastern Pennsylvania, understanding your rights is essential to protecting your health and your claim.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving occurs anytime a driver takes their eyes, hands, or mind off the task of operating the vehicle. Even a second of inattention can lead to catastrophic results.

Three Main Types of Distractions

1. Visual Distractions
The driver takes their eyes off the road.
Examples: reading a text message, looking at GPS, turning to check on passengers.

2. Manual Distractions
The driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel.
Examples: eating, adjusting the radio, reaching for items.

3. Cognitive Distractions
The driver's mind is not focused on driving.
Examples: daydreaming, talking with passengers, emotional conversations.

Common Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving

• Rear-end collisions

• Intersection crashes (T-bone or head-on)

• Pedestrian or cyclist accidents

• Sideswipe accidents during lane changes

These accidents are especially prevalent on busy Luzerne County roads such as Route 309, Route 11, I-81, and local Wilkes-Barre streets.

Pennsylvania Laws on Distracted Driving

Pennsylvania has strengthened its distracted driving laws to reduce accidents and hold negligent drivers accountable.

1. Texting While Driving Ban

It is illegal to send, read, or write text messages while operating a vehicle.

2. Paul Miller's Law (Effective June 5, 2024)

This major update prohibits all drivers from holding or physically interacting with a cellphone while driving.

Hands-free use is permitted for:

• Phone calls

• GPS navigation

• Music apps

3. Careless and Reckless Driving Charges

If distracted driving causes an accident, the at-fault driver may face additional criminal or traffic charges.

Evidence such as phone records, surveillance videos, witness testimony, or police observations can help prove distracted driving in a civil injury claim.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

If you've been injured by a distracted driver in Luzerne County, taking the right steps early can significantly impact your claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even minor injuries can worsen. Medical documentation is essential.

2. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage

• Roadway conditions

• Distracting items in the other driver's vehicle (food containers, phone, etc.)

3. Document Distracted Behavior

If you saw the driver texting or using a phone, tell the police and your attorney.

4. Contact a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies will try to minimize distracted driving claims. Skilled representation levels the playing field.

How an Experienced Luzerne County Injury Lawyer Helps

At Sklarosky Law, we handle distracted driving claims regularly and know what evidence is needed to build a strong case.

We Assist By:

• Obtaining phone records, traffic camera footage, and dashcam evidence

• Interviewing witnesses

• Proving liability and negligence

• Calculating all damages, including long-term medical needs

• Negotiating with insurance companies that try to undervalue claims

• Filing a lawsuit when necessary

We fight to ensure you receive full compensation for:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Future medical care

• Emotional trauma

Compensation Available After a Distracted Driving Accident

Pennsylvania law allows victims to pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Hospital bills

• Surgery and physical therapy

• Medications

• Lost income

• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Disfigurement or permanent injury

A full evaluation by an experienced injury lawyer ensures nothing is overlooked.

Contact Sklarosky Law Today

If you or a loved one was injured by a distracted driver in Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Hazleton, Pittston, or anywhere in Luzerne County, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

📞 Call Sklarosky Law at (570) 283-1200
📝 Or use our online contact form to tell us about your case.

Distracted driving claims can be complex—don't face them alone.
Let us fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.