Distracted Driving Accident Attorney in Maryland
Legal Support for Car Crash Victims in Prince Georges, Charles, Calvert & Anne Arundel
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Distracted driving has become one of the main causes of car accidents, the largest contributor being texting and driving. When you decide to send a text, email, or check social media while driving, you are not only putting your passengers and yourself at risk but you’re also putting others on the road in danger. Despite the fact that Maryland prohibits the use of a handheld phones and devices while driving, countless drivers still do it and unfortunately cause accidents.
At Potter Law, LLC, our Maryland distracted driving accident attorney is committed to protecting the victims of car crashes caused by the negligence of others. If you believe distracted driving contributed to your injuries, our firm can get to work on your case and help hold the driver responsible. Get the personalized legal support you need today—call us.
Schedule your free consultation now with one of our attorney at (301) 820-7820 or fill out our online form. Allow us to handle your case while you focus on what matters most: healing.
What is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving involves any activity that takes a driver’s attention from the road and prevents safe, focused driving. Texting is the most common and well-known type of distracted driving. Taking just a few seconds to read a text is more than enough time to get into a serious accident and cause injuries and fatalities—it’s often mentioned that taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
In 2018 alone, more than 2,800 people were killed and around 400,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving can cause severe injuries, especially when the driver is going at full speed and is unable to slow down in time before causing a collision. Common injuries associated with distracted driving accidents include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord and neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, abrasions, and more.
What Are Common Types of Distractions?
Generally, distracted driving is categorized into three main types. The types of distracted driving may include:
- Visual distractions: This includes anything that takes your eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include watching videos, looking at one’s map or GPS system, or reading a text. Visual distractions are particularly dangerous because they impair your ability to be aware of your surroundings and detect potential hazards on the road.
- Cognitive distractions: This type of distraction is less straightforward because it involves diverting your attention from the road even though your eyes are still focused ahead, and your hands may still be on the steering wheel. A cognitive distraction is one that causes a driver’s mind to wander, such as having conversations with others, listening to the radio, and using hands-free calling devices. A driver may have a full view of their surroundings, but a cognitive distraction can prevent them from fully processing what’s happening in front of them.
- Physical distractions: These distractions require drivers to physically take their hands off the wheel, preventing them from steering their vehicle quickly in case of an emergency. Some examples of physical distractions include texting while driving, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or air conditioning, and rummaging through one’s personal belongings.
How Common Are Distracted Driving Accidents in Maryland?
In 2018, more than 2,800 people died in car accidents because of distracted driving. These people included drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians who were hurt because someone was not paying attention to the road.
Every year in Maryland, more than 180 people are killed and over 27,000 people are injured because of distracted driving. Between 2013 and 2017, there were over 56,000 car crashes caused by Maryland distracted drivers. That is a lot of accidents that could have been prevented if people had their eyes on the road instead of looking at their phones or doing other things.
