Distracted driving accidents can be caused by a driver who is distracted by any number of things, including texting, talking on a cell phone, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Maryland, distracted driving is a serious traffic offense. However, if you have been injured in an accident caused by distracted driving, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for your damages.
At Portner & Shure, P.A., our skilled distracted driving accident attorneys have the experience and resources necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement with the at-fault party's insurance company or taking your case to trial if necessary.
Schedule a free consultation with our firm by calling us at (410) 995-1515 or by contacting us online.
Understanding Distracted Driving and Its Risks
Distracted driving refers to the act of operating a vehicle while a driver's attention is diverted from the primary task of driving. It involves engaging in activities that take the driver's focus away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents and jeopardizing the safety of the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Distracted driving can be categorized into three main types:
- Visual distraction: Taking one's eyes off the road to focus on something else, such as looking at a mobile phone, reading a map, or attending to passengers.
- Manual distraction: Removing one or both hands from the steering wheel to engage in another activity, like texting, eating, or adjusting controls.
- Cognitive distraction: Allowing one's mind to wander away from the driving task, often occurring when drivers are daydreaming or preoccupied with other thoughts.
Each of these types of distractions poses a serious danger as they impair a driver's ability to observe and react to traffic conditions and unexpected events on the road. Distracted driving has become a significant concern in recent years due to the widespread use of mobile devices and other technologies that can divert drivers' attention.
Top Distractions That Lead to Road Accidents
Several common distractions can lead to such accidents:
- Mobile devices: One of the most prevalent distractions is the use of mobile phones for texting, calling, browsing, or using apps. Even a brief glance at a phone can take a driver's eyes off the road and increase the likelihood of a collision.
- Eating and drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can divert a driver's attention from the road. Trying to handle containers, spills, or reaching for items can lead to loss of control.
- Adjusting vehicle controls: Fiddling with the radio, climate controls, GPS, or any other dashboard features can cause cognitive, visual, and manual distractions.
- Passenger interaction: Conversations with passengers, especially those requiring intense emotional or cognitive engagement, can divert a driver's focus away from driving safely.
- Daydreaming: Engaging in deep thoughts or being preoccupied mentally (daydreaming) can significantly impair a driver's ability to react to road conditions.
- External distractions: Events occurring outside the vehicle, such as accidents, billboards, or eye-catching scenery, can draw a driver's attention away from the road.
- Grooming: Trying to apply makeup, combing hair, or adjusting appearance while driving diverts attention and can lead to accidents.
- Using in-car technologies: Operating complex in-car technologies, like infotainment systems, can be distracting, taking the driver's attention off the road.
- Rubbernecking: Staring at incidents on the road, such as accidents or roadside events, can cause drivers to lose focus on their own driving.
- Reading: Attempting to read a map, a book, or any other material while driving is a dangerous visual and cognitive distraction.
- Multi-tasking: Trying to engage in other activities not related to driving while behind the wheel, such as managing work tasks or personal chores.
Compensation for Victims of Distracted Driving in MD & DC
If you are injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim for your damages. You may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, you need an experienced Columbia distracted driving accident lawyer on your side. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we have handled hundreds of personal injury cases and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We know how to navigate the legal system and will fight for your rights every step of the way.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact our experienced attorneys at (410) 995-1515 for immediate assistance.
