BURLINGTON — A jury trial for a Vermont woman who’s charged with texting while driving and injuring a pedestrian began Tuesday.

After 19-year-old Emma Vieira’s trial opened, lawyers argued whether the accident was the result of inattention while she was texting or whether it was so dark she couldn’t see the pedestrian.

Deborah Drewniak, 52, was struck in August 2011 as she walked her dog in the roadway. Drewniak suffered a traumatic brain injury in the collision, and her dog was killed.

Vieira pleaded not guilty to one count of grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in serious injury. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison.