Mobile phones have become a necessity, and texting seems to be the preferred mode of communication. Texting presents hazards while walking – but while driving, texting becomes deadly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent numbers, over 2,800 people throughout the United States lost their lives in 2018, while over a million people were involved in accidents due to distracted driving.
Our experienced Baltimore texting and driving car accident lawyers are committed to representing people injured by distracted driving. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case consultation. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping injured car accident victims and their families, and we may be able to help in your case, too.
Baltimore Texting and Driving Laws
Maryland lawmakers are well aware of the dangers associated with texting while driving. Therefore, texting while driving is prohibited in Baltimore. Drivers are permitted to use a speakerphone or Bluetooth device, but the use of a handheld phone is not allowed. Additionally, any driver under the age of 18 or driving under a learner’s permit is prohibited from using any communication device, both handheld or hands-free.
Maryland also passed Jake’s Law in response to the increased danger associated with distracted driving. the 2014 law imposes more significant fines and jail time if a distracted driver’s conduct resulted in severe injury or death. People who text and drive now face up to 3 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Texting and Driving Accidents in Baltimore
Every driver in Baltimore has a responsibility to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not endanger other drivers or pedestrians around them. While driving always presents inherent risks, those risks are increased if a driver is distracted. Three types of distractions can affect a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle:
- Visual distractions involve looking away from the roadway – e.g., looking down at a map.
- Manual distractions include removing one’s hands from the steering wheel – e.g., reaching over to grab an item from the glove compartment would require releasing the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distractions occur when attention is focused on something other than driving — e.g., helping a passenger with a crossword puzzle.
Texting is especially dangerous conduct because a driver texting while driving will experience all three types of distractions at once. To compose or read a text, a driver looks down at the phone, holds it in their hand, and concentrates on the conversation. This conduct presents an unreasonable, negligent risk to other drivers on the road.
Many people believe they have the skill and abilities necessary to safely text and drive. Statistical studies clearly demonstrate that is not the case – in fact, a texting driver is often more dangerous to others on the road than an intoxicated driver. If you were in an accident caused by a driver who was texting while driving, contact our Baltimore texting and driving car accident lawyer to evaluate whether you have a legal case against them.
Injuries from Accidents Caused by Texting While Driving in Baltimore
Multiple factors can lead to a car accident. First, errors in judgment, driving errors, or a failure to obey posted traffic signs could result in a collision. At some point during a crash, the drivers will realize that impact is inevitable and take preventive actions to reduce the severity of the crash. When a driver is entirely unaware of their surroundings because they were focused on their cell phone, they rarely take actions necessary to lessen the effects of a collision. This means many drivers who were texting might fail to swerve away or hit the brakes, potentially making a crash worse.
Car accidents can lead to severe or even deadly injuries. A high-impact collision could result in broken bones, spinal cord injuries, severe head or neck injuries, and lacerations and puncture wounds that leave victims permanently disabled or with fatal injuries.
Suing in Baltimore for Injuries from a Car Accident Caused by Texting and Driving
Our experienced Baltimore attorneys have the necessary means to evaluate personal injury claims and help injury victims file for compensation. We will work to establish the other driver’s negligence by using police reports, cellphone records, and eyewitness statements. We will confidently and respectfully represent you, prepare your claim, and examine all the facts of your case to help hold all liable parties responsible for your injuries and damages.
Injuries from a car accident can have long-term adverse effects on your life. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could be facing years of substantial medical costs, expensive physical and occupational therapy, and lost income. All of these consequences could significantly strain limited financial resources. We know you deserve to be appropriately compensated for any physical suffering and economic loss you sustained, and we will fight vigorously for you and your family.
Unfortunately, Maryland personal injury law adheres to the doctrine of contributory negligence. This doctrine requires dividing fault for an accident among all parties involved based on their contribution to the collision. If you are partially responsible for the accident, then you will not be entitled to compensation from the other driver(s). Our attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras understand the nuances associated with this doctrine and are prepared to address any defenses the negligent driver may use.
Call Our Baltimore Texting and Driving Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When a driver decides to text while driving, they are dangerously putting the safety and wellbeing of others on the road at risk. If you or a family member was injured by the negligent conduct of a distracted driver, contact our experienced Baltimore texting and driving car accident lawyers. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free case consultation.