Distracted Driving Accidents in Maryland: More Than Just Cell Phones
Most drivers know that it is illegal to text and drive, but distracted driving involves far more than just looking at your phone. Thousands of serious car accidents in Maryland happen every year due to drivers who let their attention drift for just a moment.
If you were injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to hold them liable for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our Maryland car accident attorneys explain what counts as a distraction and evidence that can help to prove it in a claim.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Crashes in Maryland
According to ZeroDeaths Maryland, over 20,000 people are injured throughout the state each year due to distracted driving. It happens any time a motorist takes their hands off the wheel, their eyes off the road, or their mind off driving.
Maryland law bans handheld phone use, but driving distractions come in many forms, especially during busy commutes or family road trips. Common causes of Maryland distracted driving crashes are:
- Texting, reading emails, scrolling on social media, and checking GPS settings.
- Eating, drinking, or checking your appearance in the rear-view mirror.
- Adjusting vehicle settings like climate control or playlists.
- Talking to passengers or attending to children in the back seat.
- Reaching for dropped items or multitasking at red lights.
Even a few seconds of distraction at highway speeds can lead to devastating rear-end or intersection collisions.
Proving Fault in a Maryland Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving car accidents in Maryland can be some of the most challenging types of claims. Unlike impaired driving, there’s no test to prove it happened, and insurers representing the other driver rarely admit it happened.
Gathering evidence of distracted driving is not easy, but there are ways to prove the other driver wasn’t paying attention. To build a strong claim, focus on the following:
- Get a police report and note if distraction is mentioned.
- Photos (or videos) of the crash scene and vehicles involved can help show that the other driver was obviously not paying attention.
- Witness testimony can help if they saw the driver looking at a phone or away from the road.
- Work with an experienced Maryland car accident attorney to preserve phone records that confirm texting or app use, subpoena evidence, and reconstruct the crash.
Because Maryland follows the rule of contributory negligence, attempting to deny distracted driving or shift blame can jeopardize your rights to compensation. To avoid out-of-pocket costs, contact our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys.
Consult Our Experienced Maryland Car Accident Attorneys to Protect Your Rights
At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we help injured drivers and passengers hold distracted drivers accountable. Our team investigates, gathers evidence to prove they weren’t paying attention, and negotiates with insurers to get you the total compensation you need to cover your losses.
If you were injured in a crash or collision and think the other driver was distracted, don’t wait. Contact our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys and request a consultation today to protect your rights.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/distracted-driving/
zerodeathsmd.gov/digital-resources/be-the-focused-driver-brochure/
