By James Miller, Esq.
Last year, Joyce Novotny-Prettiman alerted our readers of Paul Miller’s Law, a major change in Pennsylvania law that affects how—and if—motorists can use their cellphones behind the wheel. Beginning this week, enforcement of the stricter distracted driving law takes full effect, and the consequences go far beyond a simple ticket.
For our injured clients and victims of distracted driving, this law also represents something more important: a clearer path to accountability for dangerous drivers.
A New Era Under “Paul Miller’s Law”
Starting Friday, law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania are authorized to issue fines to drivers who are caught holding a cellphone while driving.
This marks the end of a one-year grace period during which only warnings were issued.
Known as Paul Miller’s Law, the statute is named after a 21-year-old who was killed in a distracted driving crash involving a tractor-trailer.
Key Takeaways for Drivers:
- It is now illegal to hold a cellphone at any time while driving, including:
- At red lights
- In traffic
- While temporarily stopped
- The law is a primary offense, meaning:
- Police can stop you solely for violating it
- Hands-free use is still permitted
- The base fine is $50, but total costs typically exceed $200 with fees
- Fines may be doubled in active construction zones
This is not just a technical change—it reflects a growing recognition that distracted driving remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on Pennsylvania roadways.
Distracted Driving Is Still a Major Threat
Even with laws in place, distracted driving continues to cause serious injuries and deaths across the state.
According to Pennsylvania data:
- Between 10,000 and 14,000 crashes per year are linked to distracted driving
- These crashes result in more than 50 fatalities annually
- Texting, holding a handheld device, and even wearing headphones all qualify as distracted driving under state law
Law enforcement and everyday drivers alike report seeing dangerous behavior regularly—drivers looking down at their phones, drifting across lanes, or running red lights.
In fact, officials have emphasized that distracted driving “puts everyone on our roads at risk,” including motorists, passengers, and even roadside workers.
What We See in Injury Cases
From a personal injury perspective, distracted driving cases often involve:
- Rear-end collisions due to delayed reaction time
- Lane departure accidents and head-on crashes
- Failure to stop at traffic signals
- High-impact crashes in construction zones
- Dangerous accidents while at work
- Ride share drivers causing accidents and injuries for other and for passengers
These are not minor mistakes—they are preventable acts of negligence that frequently result in serious injuries.
Why This Law Matters for Injury Victims
For those injured in a crash, this new law strengthens accountability in several important ways.
- Clearer Evidence of Negligence
Because it is now illegal simply to hold a phone while driving, proving fault may be more straightforward in many cases.
- Police Stops Without Other Violations
Since the law is a primary offense, distracted drivers are more likely to be cited—creating documentation that can support a personal injury claim.
- Negligence Per Se
When we pursue a claim against a negligent driver, violation of a traffic law allows us to claim that the driver was negligent without showing a breach of a duty when that driver violates a traffic law.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Distracted Driver
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, the steps you take early on can significantly affect your case.
Important Actions:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Document the accident scene if possible
- Obtain the police report
- Preserve evidence (including witness information and phone records, if available)
- Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney
Distracted driving cases often hinge on proving what the at-fault driver was doing—and whether they violated the law at the time of the crash.
Protect Your Rights
Pennsylvania’s new distracted driving law sends a strong message: holding a phone behind the wheel is dangerous—and now clearly illegal.
But for victims, the reality is that enforcement comes too late to prevent many serious injuries.
If you were injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or impairment
Do not assume the insurance company will treat you fairly.
Contact Our Firm Today
Our firm has extensive experience handling distracted driving cases throughout Western Pennsylvania. We understand how to investigate these claims, secure critical evidence, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call us today for a free consultation.
Let us help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 888-534-6016.
