MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey woman who sent a text message to her boyfriend cannot be held liable for a car crash he caused while responding to the message.

A judge made that decision Friday in state Superior Court in Morris County.

A lawyer for David and Linda Kubert says text messages from Shannon Colonna to Kyle Best played a role in the September 2009 wreck in Mine Hill. But Colonna’s lawyer says she had no control over when Best would read and respond to the message.

Both Kuberts were seriously injured when Best crashed into their motorcycle. David Kubert had his left leg torn off above the knee, while Linda Kubert eventually had her left leg amputated.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

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