When you think of distracting driving, you probably picture someone looking down at their phone to compose or read a text. However, many of us are guilty of driving while distracted. Merely changing the radio station or taking a drink from a water bottle shifts focus away from driving. the slightest diversion could result in an accident. If you were injured because another driver was not focused on the road, they might be liable for any harm and damages you sustained.
Our experienced Baltimore distracted driving car accident lawyers are committed to providing professional, respectful representation for our injured clients. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case consultation. Our lawyers might be able to help you get compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering related to the crash.
Types of Distracted Driving in the Baltimore Area
If a distraction limits a driver’s capacity to respond to changes or conditions on the road, errors and accidents are likely to occur. Nearly anything that takes attention away from the road can constitute distracted driving. the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration categorizes distractions into four types:
Visual Distractions
This type of distraction includes drivers taking their eyes from the road, whether to look at a billboard, a phone, a map, or something else.
Auditory Distractions
This type of distraction includes when the driver is distracted by loud or sudden noises, such as another car’s horn or a screaming child in the backseat.
Physical Distractions
This type of distractions includes adjusting controls in the car, touching buttons on your cell phone, or eating food while driving.
Cognitive Distractions
This distraction type includes anything that engages the driver’s mind in other thoughts, such as a conversation with a passenger.
Examples of Distracted Driving for Baltimore Drivers
Texting while driving is dangerous because it encompasses nearly every type of distraction in one action. A driver diverts their vision from the road, manipulates their phone, and mentally focuses on the conversation when they send a text. Under these circumstances, their ability to respond to road conditions is severely impaired, many times leading to catastrophic or fatal accidents.
However, texting is far from the only activity that typically distracts drivers. Making a call, answering the phone, or participating in a conversation are other common distractions that result in collisions and injuries. Some other ordinary actions that distract drivers include the following:
- Eating
- Smoking
- Grooming
- Putting on makeup
- Looking at the GPS
- Reaching into the back seat to take care of a child
- Searching for an item on the floor or in the glove compartment
- Talking to other passengers.
All of these activities shift a driver’s attention away from the task of driving. If you were involved in an accident because the other driver was engaged in a distracting activity, contact our Baltimore distracted driving injury attorney.
Holding Baltimore Drivers Accountable for Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is a conscious choice and is considered negligent driving. Every driver in Baltimore owes every other driver a duty to operate their vehicle safely and avoid endangering other motorists or pedestrians. When drivers allow their attention to wander, they are no longer upholding that duty to drive safely.
You might be entitled to recover compensation for any injuries you received in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. To hold another driver accountable for their actions, you must be able to establish that the driver was acting negligently, that their conduct caused the accident, and that your injuries were a direct result of the accident.
Our Baltimore attorneys will thoroughly examine the facts and details of your case to prove that the other driver’s negligent decisions put them at fault. Generally, a distracted driver will be guilty of some traffic violation. A police report that clearly states the events and details of the accident could help establish the other driver’s fault. We will also use eyewitness testimony to demonstrate how the distracted behavior contributed to the crash.
Maryland follows the “contributory negligence” doctrine in personal injury lawsuits. This means that if your conduct is found to have contributed to the accident, you cannot recover compensation from the other driver. Our Baltimore attorneys are familiar with this doctrine and the defenses a negligent driver will use to shift blame. We can help fight counterclaims that you contributed to the crash.
Damages and Evidence in a Distracted Driving Crash in Baltimore
After establishing fault, our experienced attorneys will work to obtain the compensation you deserve. While a personal injury claim could result in a monetary judgment against the driver, compensation is usually paid through their insurance company. Baltimore drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover injuries from car accidents. However, insurance companies generally do not offer car accident victims settlements for the full amount that they deserve.
The attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras will negotiate with the insurance companies involved and provide proof of fault to help get you the compensation you deserve. To do this, we will use witness testimony, medical records, and accident reports, and we will hire an accident reconstruction expert if necessary.
For a Free Consultation, Call Our Baltimore Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents caused by distracted driving can lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic head and spinal injuries or even death. the force of a collision could send metal, glass, and debris flying into a vehicle, resulting in severe lacerations, broken bones, internal bleeding, and paralysis. A car accident can have long-term adverse medical and financial consequences.
Our Baltimore attorneys are committed to representing you after a distracted driving accident. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case consultation.