According to the Pew Research Center, an estimated 97 percent of all Americans own a cell phone. And, while driving while texting or talking without a hands-free device is illegal in most states, cell phone car accidents are among the leading causes of distracted driving in Maryland and across the country. If you've been involved in a car accident caused by a driver who was using their cell phone, you may be entitled to compensation. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George's County car accident lawyers can help you effectively bring a claim against the responsible party so you are not left on the hook for your accident-related expenses.
The Dangers of Using a Cell Phone While DrivingUsing a cell phone while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions for anyone behind the wheel of a car. It diverts attention from the road and increases the risk of accidents, causing drivers to miss important signals, react slower to traffic changes, or even veer off the road. Cell phone car accidents can happen in seconds, especially when a driver is texting, scrolling through apps, or making a phone call.
In addition to manual distractions, such as holding the phone and typing, cognitive distractions occur when drivers' minds are focused on conversations or tasks instead of driving. Even hands-free devices can divert attention from the road, leading to preventable crashes.
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it's essential to take action. A Prince George's County car accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing a claim and holding the negligent driver accountable.
Maryland's Cell Phone LawsMaryland has strict laws when it comes to using a cell phone while driving. It’s illegal for drivers to use a handheld device while operating a vehicle. This includes texting, making calls, or using apps. Drivers must use hands-free devices if they need to talk on the phone while driving. Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, regardless of age or experience. These laws aim to reduce cell phone car accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
Penalties for violating these laws can include fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates. However, these consequences pale in comparison to the potential for serious injuries or fatalities caused by distracted driving. If you've been involved in a crash caused by a driver who violated Maryland's cell phone laws, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Is Talking or Texting While Driving Always Considered Negligent?In many cases, yes—talking or texting while driving is often considered negligent. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, and using a cell phone behind the wheel typically falls under this category. When a driver causes an accident while using a cell phone, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or property damage.
However, proving negligence in these cases may require evidence, such as phone records, witness statements, or traffic camera footage. A Prince George's County car accident lawyer with experience in handling cell phone car accidents can help gather this evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. It’s important to act quickly after an accident, as evidence can disappear, and Maryland's statute of limitations limits the time you have to file a claim.
What if the Driver Was Using a Hands-Free Device?While hands-free devices are allowed under Maryland law, they are not entirely risk-free. Studies show that even talking on a hands-free device can be distracting and lead to cell phone car accidents. The key issue here is whether the driver’s use of a hands-free device contributed to their negligence.
If the driver was distracted by their hands-free device at the time of the accident, they may still be considered negligent, even if they were complying with Maryland’s cell phone laws. In these cases, your attorney may need to prove that the driver was not paying full attention to the road, which contributed to the accident. This could involve gathering phone records, investigating the driver’s behavior before the crash, and consulting with experts.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dedicated Injury Lawyer With Experience Handling Cell Phone Car AccidentsCell phone car accidents can result in devastating injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you've been injured by a driver who was distracted by their phone, it's important to seek the help of an experienced attorney who can get you the results you’re looking for. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our team of dedicated attorneys understands these cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve to cover all your accident-related expenses and get you on the road to recovery. We also offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case without any obligation. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, contact us today by calling 301-441-2022 or through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.