Many motor vehicle accidents occur when drivers operate their motor vehicles in a careless, negligent, or reckless manner while behind the wheel. When passengers decide to ride in a motor vehicle, they are placing their trust in the driver of that vehicle, hoping that the driver will be careful and safe while on the road. However, that is not always the case. Single-vehicle car accidents occur when a driver collides with an object, such as a guardrail, retaining wall, embankment, or tree. Common causes of these single-vehicle accidents include distracted driving, failing to obey the rules of the road, and drunk driving.
If you have sustained injuries in a single-vehicle car accident as a passenger, you may have a legal cause of action against the driver, as well as the owner of the vehicle. Baltimore attorney Randolph Rice regularly represents victims of motor vehicle accidents and is ready and willing to represent you throughout your case. Attorney Randolph Rice can negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, and if necessary, litigate your case to a favorable conclusion.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents –including single-vehicle car accidents – in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, nearly 1200 people per day are injured in motor vehicle collisions reportedly involving a distracted driver.
Distracted driving can take many forms. One of the most common forms of distracted driving is cell phone use, including texting while driving a motor vehicle and using a cell phone without a hands-free device or Bluetooth technology. Listening to loud music in the car, using headphones while driving, and physically turning one’s head and attention away from the roadway can all distract the driver and can significantly increase the chances of an accident. When a distracted driver causes a single-vehicle car accident, the injured passenger may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the offending driver and/or the owner of the vehicle.
Attorney Randolph Rice can discuss the facts and circumstances of your single-vehicle car accident case with you and can help you prove all of the legal elements of your claim.
Failing to Abide by the Maryland Rules of the Road
Another common cause of single-vehicle motor vehicle accidents is failing to obey traffic signs, signals, roadway markings, and other rules of the road. All of the signs, signals, and markings on the road exist for one reason: to keep motor vehicle drivers and their passengers alive and safe. Virtually every sign or signal on the roadway, including traffic signals, railroad crossing signals, and reduced speed limit signs, among others, is intended to let drivers know of an impending danger on the roadway. When drivers fail to obey signs, signals, and road markings, it is very easy for their vehicles to careen out of control and strike an object on or near the road, such as a wall or an embankment.
If you have sustained injuries in a single-vehicle car accident that resulted from your driver’s failure to follow the Maryland Rules of the Road, Baltimore Attorney Randolph Rice may be able to help you file a legal claim or lawsuit against the owner of the vehicle.
Driving a Motor Vehicle While under the Influence of Drug or Alcohol
Another cause of single-vehicle motor vehicle accidents in Maryland is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, better known as DUID or DUI, respectively. Drugs and alcohol can seriously impact a motor vehicle driver’s central nervous system functioning and reaction time, significantly impacting the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and prudent manner.
Driving while under the influence makes motor vehicle collisions with objects on or near the roadway far more likely. Moreover, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can subject a driver to serious criminal charges and penalties. These charges and penalties can include heavy fines, suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, and in the most serious cases, jail time.
Potential Parties to a Maryland Car Accident Lawsuit
Reckless and careless driving results in car accidents and personal injuries all the time. In order for an injured passenger to recover monetary compensation in a single-vehicle car accident case, the passenger must first be able to show that the driver failed to drive in a reasonably safe and careful manner. Moreover, the passenger must be able to demonstrate that the accident (and the driver’s negligence) was at least one cause of the injuries and damages he or she sustained in the accident.
If the driver of the motor vehicle and the vehicle owner are different people, the injured passenger may also have a legal cause of action against the vehicle owner. This is especially true in cases where the owner entrusted the vehicle to the at-fault driver, or in cases where the driver is an employee, agent, or servant of the vehicle owner.
If the injured passenger is able to prove fault against one or more individuals in a single-vehicle car accident case, then he or she may be eligible to recover monetary damages. Available damages may include compensation for the injured passenger’s medical bills and lost wages, along with pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, lost earning capacity, and permanency damages. Baltimore Attorney Randolph Rice can help you obtain the monetary compensation to which you may be entitled under the law.
Call a Baltimore, Maryland Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
If you were a passenger in a motor vehicle and sustained serious injuries because of a careless, reckless, or negligent driver, Baltimore Attorney Randolph Rice may be able to help you obtain a favorable settlement offer or jury verdict in your case. If the insurance company refuses to make a favorable offer in your case, Attorney Randolph Rice welcomes the opportunity to litigate your case through the Maryland court system and take it to trial. To schedule a free consultation or case evaluation with a Baltimore car accident lawyer, please call us today or contact us online.