Baltimore Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we are committed to representing victims of distracted driving accidents and holding negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver, our experienced Baltimore distracted driving accident lawyers are here to help you understand the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving Overview
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a motorist’s attention away from the primary task of operating a vehicle. It is a growing problem on Maryland roadways, fueled in part by the increasing reliance on smartphones for communication, entertainment, social interactions and productivity. But distraction isn’t limited to texting or checking notifications—it includes any behavior that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road.
Safety experts classify three main types of distractions:
- Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as reading a text message, adjusting your navigation system, or rubbernecking at roadside incidents.
- Manual Distractions: Removing your hands from the steering wheel, whether to eat, apply makeup, reach for an object, or change the radio station.
- Cognitive Distractions: Diverting your mental focus from driving. This might happen when you’re deeply involved in a phone conversation—even hands-free—or when you’re thinking about personal problems, work stress, or other non-driving matters.
Many drivers mistakenly believe they can multitask behind the wheel, but the reality is that even a brief lapse in attention can have devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds—enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph without seeing the road ahead. Distracted driving isn’t just careless—it’s dangerous, and it places everyone on the road at risk.
Common examples of distracted driving behaviors include:
- Texting or emailing while driving
- Talking on a handheld phone
- Using in-car technologies and infotainment systems
- Eating or drinking
- Grooming or applying makeup
- Interacting with passengers
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving dramatically increases the risk of serious and even fatal traffic collisions. When a driver fails to stay alert and responsive, the likelihood of making a critical error skyrockets. Some of the most dangerous and common types of crashes caused by distracted driving include:
- T-Bone Collisions: Also known as side-impact crashes, T-bone accidents often occur at intersections when a distracted driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle. These crashes are especially dangerous because the sides of vehicles (where impact occurs) generally offer less protection than the front or rear.
- Rear-End Collisions: A driver looking down at a phone or distracted by another activity may fail to notice that traffic ahead has slowed or stopped. Rear-end crashes can cause whiplash, spinal injuries, or more severe trauma, especially when they occur at the higher speeds of a distracted driver who doesn’t see traffic ahead has slowed or stopped.
- Head-On Collisions: Among the most catastrophic types of accidents, head-on crashes often happen when a distracted driver drifts into oncoming traffic. These collisions are frequently fatal or result in life-altering injuries due to the combined force of impact.
Even minor distractions can delay reaction times and impair a driver’s ability to make safe, split-second decisions. When drivers allow themselves to be distracted—even momentarily—they endanger everyone around them, including other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. In urban areas like Baltimore, where streets are often busy and complex, the margin for error is slim, and the consequences of inattention can be devastating.
Maryland Laws on Distracted Driving
Maryland has implemented strict laws to combat distracted driving, including the following:
- Texting While Driving: Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21–1124.1, it is illegal for any driver to write, send, or read a text message or electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. Exceptions are made for contacting emergency services or using a GPS device.
- Handheld Phone Use: Maryland Transportation Code § 21–1124.2 prohibits drivers from using a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free devices are permitted, but drivers under 18 are banned from using any wireless communication device while driving, except to contact emergency services.
- Penalties: Violating these laws can result in fines and points on your driving record. For example, using a handheld phone while driving can lead to a fine of up to $75 for a first offense, increasing for subsequent offenses. Texting while driving carries a fine of $70 and one point on your license, which increases to $110 and three points if the violation contributes to a crash.
- Jake’s Law: Enacted in 2014, Jake’s Law imposes severe penalties on drivers who cause serious injury or death while using a handheld phone or texting. Offenders may face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. They may also be subject to personal injury claims and civil lawsuits brought by accident victims or their families.
How Maryland Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, our Baltimore distracted driving accident lawyers can assist you by conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence of distracted driving to build a strong case proving the other driver’s fault. We take the time to understand your injuries so we can calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our team handles all communications with insurance companies so you can avoid that hassle and focus on your recovery. Our experienced litigators will negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court, if necessary, to secure the compensation you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today After a Distracted Driving Accident in Baltimore
Distracted driving poses a significant risk on Baltimore’s roads. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driver, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Maryland Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and let us help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
