Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Maryland, especially in busy areas like Prince George’s County. Drivers who take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or minds off the task of driving can create dangerous situations that lead to severe injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver, it’s essential to know your rights and what steps you can take to seek compensation. The dedicated Prince George’s County car accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are here to help you every step of the way. We have decades of combined experience ensuring our clients recover the compensation they need, deserve, and are legally entitled to.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving Under Maryland Law?Distracted driving occurs when a driver is not fully focused on the road, creating a risk to themselves, their passengers, and others who share the road. Maryland law identifies several actions that constitute distracted driving, some of which include:
Texting while driving: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, as it takes the driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving.
Talking on a cell phone: Maryland law bans the use of handheld devices while driving. Drivers must use hands-free devices if they need to make calls.
Using navigation or GPS systems: Adjusting or looking at a GPS while driving can cause a driver to miss critical traffic signals or changes in the road.
Eating or drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, as both hands and attention are not on the task at hand.
Adjusting the radio or other in-car entertainment systems: Even quick adjustments can cause a driver to look away from the road and fail to react to sudden changes.
Interacting with passengers: Talking to or managing children in the backseat can divert a driver’s focus from safe driving.
Grooming: Fixing hair, applying makeup, or shaving while driving takes a driver’s attention and hands off the wheel.
Daydreaming: Mental distractions are just as dangerous as physical ones. A driver preoccupied with thoughts is less likely to react to road hazards.
Reaching for objects: Whether it’s picking up a phone or something dropped on the floor, taking hands off the wheel to grab objects can result in accidents.
Distracted Driving StatisticsDistracted driving is a major safety issue in Maryland, as it contributes to many serious and fatal car accidents each year. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, distracted driving was responsible for over 52,000 crashes in the state in recent years, accounting for nearly 50% of all accidents. Most of these accidents resulted in injury, and many were fatal.
In Prince George’s County specifically, local traffic studies show that distracted driving is a contributing factor in many of the accidents on major roadways such as Interstate 95 and Route 50. The combination of busy roads and driver inattention creates a hazardous environment for all road users.
Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving claims over 3,100 lives every year, with thousands more suffering injuries ranging from minor to life-altering.
Recovering Financial Compensation After a Distracted Driving AccidentIf you’ve been injured in a Prince George’s County distracted driving accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. However, Maryland operates under a contributory negligence system, meaning that if you are found to be even slightly at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover damages. This makes it critical to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help prove the other driver’s negligence and protect your right to compensation.
If you successfully bring a car accident lawsuit, you may recover compensation for your injuries, which can include amounts for:
Medical expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs related to the accident.
Lost wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you can recover the income you would have earned during that time.
Pain and suffering: This is compensation for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough to impact your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning potential.
Of course, bringing a distracted driving accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the insurance company. However, having an experienced car accident attorney with Foran & Foran on your side ensures that your case is handled professionally and that you have the best chance of recovering full compensation for your losses.
Speak With an Experienced Prince George’s County Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case TodayIf you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, Foran & Foran, P.A. is here to help. Our team has decades of hands-on experience representing accident victims in personal injury cases throughout Prince George's County and can provide the legal guidance you need to pursue a successful claim. We understand the stress and difficulty you may be facing, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. You can reach us 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.