Distracted Driving Just Got Real: What Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law Means for You
By The Trial Attorneys – Trusted Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers
Every year, thousands of people in Pennsylvania are seriously injured or killed by distracted drivers. These crashes are not “accidents”—they are the direct result of reckless choices, and they are 100% preventable.
On June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania enacts Paul Miller’s Law, a long-awaited distracted driving ban that targets the very behavior putting lives at risk. At The Trial Attorneys, our team of experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers believes this law is a necessary—and potentially life-saving—step in the right direction.
If you’ve been affected by a distracted driver, this law matters. And so does your right to compensation.
Understanding Paul Miller’s Law
Paul Miller’s Law makes it illegal for drivers in Pennsylvania to use handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle—including while stopped at red lights and stop signs.
Under this new law:
- Drivers must use hands-free devices to make calls, send messages, or access GPS.
- Holding a phone, tablet, or any electronic device is prohibited at all times behind the wheel.
- There’s a 12-month warning period during which only written warnings are issued.
- After that, fines begin at $50 per offense, potentially totaling $198.50 with fees.
This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a shift in how our state views and punishes distracted driving. It’s named after Paul Miller, a Monroe County man who was killed by a distracted driver. His story is heartbreaking—and far too familiar.
Why Distracted Driving Is a Silent Epidemic
As Philadelphia distracted driving lawyers, we know that distracted driving isn’t just a minor infraction—it’s one of the top causes of preventable crashes. The data doesn’t lie:
📊 Disturbing Statistics
- Over 3,000 deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2023 from distracted driving (NHTSA).
- Nearly 400,000 people are injured every year in distraction-related crashes.
- In Pennsylvania, over 15,000 crashes in 2024 alone were tied to driver distraction.
- A PennDOT study revealed 83% of all crashes in the state are caused by driver behavior—and distraction is a leading culprit.
These aren’t isolated incidents—they are systemic and growing. Our firm has represented clients who have suffered life-altering injuries, from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries, all because another driver couldn’t wait to check their phone.
What This Means for Crash Victims
Paul Miller’s Law sends a clear message: handheld phone use while driving is unacceptable. But what happens if you’ve already been hurt by a distracted driver?
At The Trial Attorneys, we provide relentless legal representation to hold negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been hit by someone texting or using their phone behind the wheel, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Review our article on what steps to take following a car accident.
How a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming—especially while you’re recovering from a serious injury. Here’s how our legal team can help:
🔍 Investigating the Crash
We uncover the truth. That includes obtaining:
- Cell phone records
- Dash cam and surveillance footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Accident reconstruction evidence
⚖️ Building a Strong Case
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Our attorneys know how to push back against insurance companies and demand full compensation.
💵 Pursuing Full Damages
You may be eligible for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death compensation, if you lost a loved one
🤝 Personalized Legal Guidance
We treat clients like family—not files. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and receive honest, strategic advice every step of the way.
Why Choose The Trial Attorneys?
We’re trial lawyers first—fearless, tenacious, and committed to getting real results. Our success comes from standing up to powerful insurers, corporations, and defense firms, and winning. When you choose The Trial Attorneys, you’re choosing a law firm that puts people before profits.
We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Paul Miller’s Law Is a Start—Justice Is the Goal
Laws can save lives—but they don’t erase the damage that’s already been done. If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver, you deserve justice. You deserve answers. And you deserve a team that will fight like hell to make things right.
Let The Trial Attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call Now for a Free Consultation
You don’t need to navigate this process alone. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers are ready to stand by your side.
📞 Call (215) 709-6940
🌐 Visit: www.thetrialattorneys.com
📍 Serving Philadelphia and clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey