Recent studies suggest that 99 percent of people in the United States own a cell phone, and 97 percent of Americans text at least once a day. Thus, it’s no surprise that texting while driving accidents have become one of the most common types of motor vehicle collisions in recent years. If you've been injured in an accident caused by a driver texting, the dedicated Prince George’s County car accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. are here to help. With more than 60 years of experience holding negligent drivers financially responsible for the injuries they’ve caused our clients, we know what it takes to connect you with the compensation you deserve.
The Science Behind Texting and Driving AccidentsTexting while driving is extremely dangerous because it distracts drivers in three ways: visually, manually, and cognitively. When a driver looks at their phone to read or send a text, their eyes are off the road, their hands are off the wheel, and their mind is focused on the message rather than the task of driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. This level of distraction greatly increases the likelihood of an accident.
The consequences of texting while driving are often severe. Rear-end accidents, sideswipes, and even head-on collisions can result when a driver is not fully engaged in the task of driving. Injuries from these accidents can range from whiplash and broken bones to more serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
Is it Illegal to Text and Drive in Maryland?Yes, it is illegal to text and drive in Maryland. The state has strict laws against texting while operating a vehicle, making it a primary offense. This means that a police officer can pull over and ticket drivers solely for texting while driving, even if they haven’t committed any other traffic violation.
In Maryland, sending or reading texts on a handheld device is prohibited for all drivers, regardless of age. Additionally, novice drivers (those under 18) are banned from using any mobile device while driving, including hands-free options.
If you were hit by a driver who was texting, the fact that the other driver broke Maryland’s texting while driving law could serve as important evidence in your case. Of course, it is still important to gather as much documentation as possible, such as witness statements, police reports, or phone records, to prove that texting played a role in the accident.
Avoiding Issues of Contributory NegligenceMaryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are found even partially at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover any compensation. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that all evidence points to the other driver’s fault, especially if texting was involved.
For example, if you were speeding or failed to signal properly when the accident occurred, the other driver’s insurance company may try to argue that you share some of the blame. If the judge or jury found the insurance company’s position persuasive, it could mean that you are totally prevented from recovering.
To avoid this, it’s important to work with a Prince George’s car accident attorney who can build a strong case. Proving that the other driver was distracted by texting can significantly strengthen your claim and reduce the chances of contributory negligence affecting your case.
Have You Been Injured in an Accident With a Distracted Driver?If you’ve been injured in an accident with a distracted driver, initiating a lawsuit may not be at the front of your mind; however, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand how devastating these accidents can be and how difficult the recovery process can be when you’re on your own. But you don’t have to embark upon this journey alone; the Prince George’s car accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A., can help you gather the necessary evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 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.