What Are Considered Distractions While Driving in Maryland?

Driving while distracted can easily lead to disaster. In fact, distracted driving accidents are more prevalent than those caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most folks believe that checking a quick text or changing the radio station while driving is harmless, yet these simple mistakes can result in devastating consequences. Along with these actions, you might wonder, “What are considered distractions while driving in Maryland?”

Operating a car, truck, motorcycle, or any motor vehicle is a big responsibility. Drivers are responsible not only for their own safety and the safety of their passengers but also for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone on or near the roadway. Unfortunately, some motorists choose to ignore this responsibility by operating a vehicle while distracted. When they do so, they put everyone around them at risk. 

Being a distracted driver is not only illegal, but it can also result in the horrific injury or even death of another individual on the roadway. Distracted driving is not always a victimless illegal act. Injuries that follow a distracted driving car crash can vary in severity, from simple cuts and bruises to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain damage, and even wrongful death. If you or someone you love has been injured due to distracted driving, help is available at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt.

What Are Common Distractions While Driving in Maryland?

Distracted driving is the term used to define actions that take a driver’s hands off the wheel or eyes and attention away from the road before them. There are three main types of distracted driving actions that can result in car crashes. 

These include the following:

• Manual Distraction: Manual distractions make you take your hands off the wheel of your vehicle. These actions can include eating, drinking, changing the radio station, using your cell phone, adjusting temperature controls, stretching for something out of reach, applying makeup, smoking, or handing an item to someone in the back seat.
• Visual Distractions: Visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the roadway. These include checking your GPS or navigation system, using the mirror to apply makeup, looking at your cell phone, checking to see what song is currently playing, or searching for lost items in your vehicle.
• Cognitive Distractions: Cognitive distractions take your concentration and focus away from driving. These could include driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, talking to other passengers inside the vehicle, road rage, stress, or driving while fatigued.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other actions that may distract you from the task at hand, either by taking your hands from the wheel, removing your focus from the roadway, or impairing you from having the ability to drive. 

How to Prevent Distracted Driving in Maryland

Driving a motor vehicle requires your full time and attention. The easiest way to stay focused and avoid distractions is to always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. Other ways to avoid distracted driving include:

• Silencing your phone or placing it on airplane mode
• Turning your phone completely off
• Putting your cell phone out of the way in a place such as a bag or compartment of your vehicle
• Choosing to eat inside a restaurant or while parked in a parking lot
• Loading your GPS instructions before beginning your journey

In some instances, a driving car collision is inevitable, but it is important to do your part to mitigate the risk.

Filing a Car Accident Claim After a Distracted Driving Incident

If you are involved in a distracted driving accident in Maryland, you must take the following steps to ensure safety, comply with legal requirements, and protect your rights:

• Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed. Move vehicles to a safe location if possible, and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Call 911: Report the auto accident to the dispatcher, mentioning the number of vehicles and any injuries. Request police assistance for a formal report.
• Exchange Information: Share names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers with other involved parties. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
• Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, license plates, traffic signs, and any injuries. Write down details like the time, date, weather conditions, and events leading to the car collision.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel uninjured, get a medical evaluation to check for hidden injuries and document any that are found for insurance or legal purposes.
• Notify your Insurance Company: Report the car crash to your insurance company immediately and provide all gathered information and documentation.
• Obtain the Police Report: Request a copy of the police report from the responding law enforcement agency, as it will be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.
• Keep Records: Maintain records of all medical treatments and expenses. Get estimates for vehicle repairs and keep all related receipts.

When are motorist’s careless actions result in an auto collision, victims can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier for monetary damages.

Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt Can Help

Our firm has years of experience representing car crash victims and can provide you with highly aggressive and determined representation. From the moment you contact us, we will begin evaluating the factors involved in your case to determine whether or not you have grounds to file a distracted driver claim. It is best to speak with a vehicle accident attorney to see whether you can pursue compensation if your case involves complex circumstances, such as texting while driving.

We will immediately begin gathering evidence, such as medical records and police reports, to support your claim. Our Baltimore car collision lawyers are committed to providing each and every one of our clients with the tireless advocacy and compassionate counsel they deserve.

Car accidents involving distracted drivers frequently happen, despite our best efforts to prevent them. You might suffer a major injury at any time, which can drastically alter your life when involved in a car crash. If you have been injured in an auto accident involving distracted driving, do not hesitate to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt today to receive your no-cost case evaluation. Call us now at 443-844-1528 to speak with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Maryland and see what legal options may be available to you.