Get Legal Guidance From a Philadelphia Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
When a distracted driver causes a car accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the cost of their carelessness. Our Philadelphia distracted driving accident lawyers pursue compensation from those responsible, while paying special attention to what you need now and what your recovery will require.
Our motto, “People Come First,” starts with listening to you. We want to understand how your injuries affect your daily life and what you need from your claim. When an insurer makes an offer, we’ll discuss how it accounts for your losses and what accepting it would mean for you.
Navigate This Page
- What You Can Expect From Our Philadelphia Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
- How Our Attorneys Build a Case Against a Distracted Driver
- Our Approach When Another Driver Blames You for the Crash
- Our Strategy When Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Distracted Driving Crash
- Let Our Attorneys Protect You When Fault Is Disputed
- Philadelphia Distracted Driving Laws and Liability
- We Pursue Compensation That Accounts for Your Losses
- Pursuing Your Case When a Settlement Is Not Enough
- Discuss Your Distracted Driving Claim With Our Philadelphia Attorneys
What You Can Expect From Our Philadelphia Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
In your free consultation, your first conversation with us is a chance to discuss the crash and ask questions about bringing a claim. If you decide to work with us, we will investigate what drew the driver’s attention away from the road and gather evidence connecting their actions to your injuries.
The claim needs to account for more than the bills on your kitchen counter. Can you return to your job? What treatment lies ahead? Your answers help us understand the financial consequences of the crash and prepare a demand that reflects your circumstances.
Our Pennsylvania distracted driving attorneys take over communications with the insurer and negotiate on your behalf. An inadequate offer calls for a conversation about what comes next, with preparation for further legal action when appropriate. From our first meeting through the resolution of your case, we make time to answer questions and discuss decisions with you.
“The entire team at Cordisco & Saile are exceedingly professional, knowledgeable, and highly attentive. I worked with Mr. Cordisco and his paralegal, Ms. Meryl Shoneman after my car accident and I’m grateful every day that I chose them to assist me. They truly care about their clients and want the absolute best outcome possible for them. Each question and/or concern I had along the way was addressed instantly whenever I called or wrote an email. The aftermath of an accident is undoubtedly stressful, traumatic and tiring – this team took everything out of my hands and handled it all from beginning to end; it was such a good feeling all the days after to know I had the support that I did from them. I can’t thank Mr. Cordisco and his team enough for their dedication and hard work on my case.”
“John Cordisco was in charge of my car accident case. He was not only professional and knowledgeable, but also understanding and caring. He helped me understand the legal process that was necessary for my case, so I could feel comfortable moving forward with it. Mr. Cordisco also made sure to accommodate any request I had and did so in a timely manner. Overall, Mr. Cordisco did a great job with my case and secured compensation for my accident.”
We Recovered $1,377,000 for a Distracted Driving Accident
When a Pennsylvania client suffered traumatic disc injuries in a rear-end crash, the other driver admitted she’d been texting and changing songs on her phone. The insurer offered $85,000, but that amount didn’t adequately account for what the injuries had cost him. Physical restrictions kept him from the athletic activities he enjoyed, and difficulties sitting and standing forced him to take a lower-paying job.
Attorneys Michael L. Saile, Jr. and John F. Cordisco pursued the case through arbitration, obtaining a $1,377,000 recovery. They presented how the crash affected his work and daily life, giving those losses the attention the initial offer lacked.
How Our Attorneys Build a Case Against a Distracted Driver
Our legal team will investigate what the driver was doing before and during the crash, starting with your account and looking beyond what the police report records. We look for evidence that helps explain the driver’s actions. This evidence can include:
- Witness statements: What others saw the driver doing before impact.
- Surveillance footage: Video showing the driver’s actions or the collision.
- Photographs and vehicle damage: Details that help establish how the crash unfolded.
- Accident reconstruction: Expert analysis when the sequence of events needs closer examination.
We compare the evidence with the driver’s explanation and investigate inconsistencies. An admission of distraction can help, but we build your claim around the facts we can support.
Distracted Driving Accidents Involving Phones and Technology
Texting isn’t the only phone activity we investigate. A driver checking navigation or switching between apps could miss a change in traffic conditions, leading to a distracted driving accident.
Our attorneys investigate phone records and other available electronic evidence to determine whether the use of technology coincided with the crash. But timing is only part of the picture. A call record doesn’t show where the driver was looking or explain why they failed to brake. We compare electronic records with witness accounts and crash evidence to establish how the distraction contributed to the collision.
Our Approach When Another Driver Blames You for the Crash
A driver who admits looking away could still claim you stopped too suddenly. An insurer might focus on your lane change without addressing what happened before it. We examine those accusations against the full sequence of events.
Our attorneys identify where the accounts differ and test each explanation against the evidence so we can respond to specific allegations rather than letting an unsupported version of the crash shape your claim. We present the evidence supporting your account and challenge conclusions that leave out relevant facts. If the insurer maintains that you share responsibility, we explain the dispute and its potential effect on your case before discussing the next step with you.
Our Strategy When Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Distracted Driving Crash
An insurer’s objection tells us where to focus our response. If an adjuster questions your treatment, we use medical records to explain its connection to the crash. If an offer overlooks time away from work, we press for those losses to be addressed.
Our attorneys take over calls and correspondence so you aren’t left responding to requests without knowing how they could affect your claim. We prepare the demand and use supporting evidence to negotiate an amount that accounts for your losses.
This strategy develops with your case. We’ll assess the insurer’s response and discuss whether another round of negotiations or further legal action makes sense for you.
Let Our Attorneys Protect You When Fault Is Disputed
Being blamed for a crash doesn’t mean you have to accept the insurer’s assessment. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative-negligence law, you can recover damages if your share of fault doesn’t exceed the combined fault of the defendants you’re seeking compensation from, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, 20% fault would reduce a $100,000 award to $80,000.
When a distracted driver denies responsibility, our attorneys investigate competing accounts and present evidence supporting your position. We explain how an allegation of shared fault could affect your recovery and push back when it gives you more responsibility than the facts justify.
Philadelphia Distracted Driving Laws and Liability
Pennsylvania’s distracted driving laws apply on Philadelphia roads. The state’s texting ban prohibits text-based communications when a vehicle is moving, subject to an emergency exception. Paul Miller’s Law places broader restrictions on handheld device use.
For your claim, we examine which rules applied when the crash happened and how the driver’s conduct contributed to your injuries. A violation can support the negligence claim, but we still need evidence connecting that conduct to the collision and your losses.
How Paul Miller’s Law Expanded Pennsylvania’s Phone Restrictions
Paul Miller’s Law took effect June 5, 2025. Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3316.1: drivers generally cannot hold or support a phone with their body while using it. The restriction applies even at red lights or during temporary traffic stops.
Hands-free use is still permitted, and an exception allows necessary communication with emergency services to prevent injury or property damage.
"Here's an interesting legal question for you. If someone causes an accident while texting me, can I be held liable? Let's unpack it. Generally, you are not responsible for someone else's decision to text and drive. The person behind the wheel is ultimately responsible for not paying attention to the road. But here's the twist: there have been cases in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where courts examine whether the person texting could be held partially liable if they knew the recipient was driving and still encouraged or distracted them in a back and forth text conversation. This is rare and highly specific to the circumstances. For example, if you were actively texting someone while knowing they were driving and pressuring them to respond. "Where you at?" "What's going on? Question mark! Question mark! Blowing up their phone. A court might MIGHT consider your involvement. But this isn't common. The bottom line: you're usually in the clear and not liable just because someone was texting you. However it's always smart to avoid texting anyone who's driving and just put down the phone."
We Pursue Compensation That Accounts for Your Losses
Our attorneys at Cordisco & Saile will examine your treatment needs and show how your ability to earn a living or function daily has changed, providing a full picture of what your injuries have and will cost.
Our demand addresses the losses supported by your case, and could involve:
- Medical expenses: Treatment received and anticipated care
- Lost income: Missed work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and its effect on your daily life
- Loss of enjoyment: Activities your injuries prevent or restrict
Pursuing Your Case When a Settlement Is Not Enough
An offer doesn’t become acceptable simply because negotiations have stalled. If it leaves substantial losses unaddressed, we explain the shortfall and discuss whether further legal action is worth pursuing.
Preparation starts before that decision. As we negotiate, we develop the evidence needed to present your case in court. Filing a lawsuit can create additional opportunities to obtain evidence, and settlement discussions can continue throughout litigation.
You get to decide whether to accept a settlement. Our role is to give you a clear assessment of the offer and the risks of pursuing more. In the $1,377,000 case described above, our attorneys took the claim to arbitration after an inadequate offer was made. The next step in your case should also serve your interests.
Discuss Your Distracted Driving Claim With Our Philadelphia Attorneys
You don’t need proof the person who hit you was distracted before reaching out for help. Tell us what you remember about the crash and where things stand with the insurer.
Our Philadelphia distracted driving accident lawyers will discuss what warrants an investigation and how we can help with your claim.
Call 215-642-2335 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll make time for your questions so you can decide whether we’re the right team for you.
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Our Attorneys
Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
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