Are you guilty of distracted driving? You may think because you do not text or use a cell phone while driving that you are an alert driver. Even though texting while driving and talking on a cell phone while driving are two of the most common distractions for drivers, these are not the only examples of distracted driving. You could be engaging in dangerous behaviors while driving that put you and everyone on the road in danger.

Distracted driving is an increasing problem in Maryland and throughout the country. Thousands of people are injured or killed in distracted driving automobile accidents each year. If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident, call 410-525-5337 to speak with a Maryland automobile accident attorney.

Examples of  Distracted Driving

Any activity that takes your focus away from driving can be a potentially deadly distraction. You may not even be aware of what you are doing is considered distracted driving. Examples of distracted driving include:

  • Eating or drinking
  • Taking care of a child
  • Reaching for an object
  • Adjusting vehicle controls
  • Grooming
  • Looking at things on the side of the road
  • Using electronics to text, talk, or watch videos
  • Talking to passengers
  • Daydreaming
  • Programming a GPS

Many distractions require a driver to use his hands and eyes, such as texting while driving, grooming, or searching for an object. Because these activities cause the drivers mind, eyes, and hands to be occupied in another activity other than operating the vehicle, these are considered some of the most dangerous and risky types of distracted driving. Drivers who engage in these behaviors and cause an automobile accident can be held liable for any damages caused by the collision.

Filing a Claim for a Distracted Driving Car Accident

If you believe a distracted driver caused your car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries.  However, you must file a car accident claim with the driver’s insurance company. Claiming that the driver was distracted at the time of the crash will not be sufficient evidence for the insurance company to pay the claim. You must prove that the driver did something to cause the crash.

In most cases, the distraction caused the driver to commit a traffic offense that led to the cause of the crash. As with any other car accident, you must provide evidence to the insurance company that proves how the car crash occurred. A police report could help establish fault if the officer stated that the other driver contributed to the cause of the crash. However, the insurance company may not accept the police report as evidence of fault, especially in a high-cost accident claim.

If the insurance company denies liability, you may need the assistance of a Parkville car accident attorney who can investigate the car crash to determine the cause and identify evidence that proves fault. Methods we use to investigate an accident include:

  • Visit the accident scene to take photographs, make videos, and gather physical evidence
  • Interview and obtain sworn statements from eyewitnesses
  • Examine the physical damage to the vehicles
  • Review medical records to correlate injuries to the crash
  • Review the police report and interview the investigating officer
  • Retain experts, including an accident reconstructionist, to assist in proving fault

Because fault is an essential element in a distracted driving car accident, it is crucial to work with an experienced car accident attorney in Parkville to ensure you have someone on your side who understands what must be done to recover money for a car accident claim.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

In 2015, the NHTSA reports that distracted drivers caused 885,000 crashes. During 2016 alone, 3,450 people lost their lives in distracted driving accidents. It is estimated that 391,000 people were injured in distraction-affected car accidents in 2016. In Maryland, there were 16,390 injury crashes in 2015 attributed to distracted driving.

Even though there is a lot of attention and education focused on cell phone usage while driving, there is not as much focus on other distractions that can cause car accidents. Therefore, some drivers do not understand the risk they are taking when they allow distractions to interfere with the safe operation of a vehicle.

The NHTSA and other agencies work to educate drivers throughout the United States about the dangers of distracted driving. Many states, including Maryland, have programs to educate and prevent distracted driving car accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers continue to ignore the warnings.

Contact a Parkville Distracted Driving Car Accident Attorney for Help

For a free consultation with a Maryland car accident lawyer, contact Pinder Plotkin, LLC by calling 410-525-5337.

 

The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.

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