Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today, contributing to thousands of accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the devastation a distracted driving crash can cause.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Distracted Driving in Baltimore
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the GPS, or conversing with passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives across the United States.
In Maryland, distracted driving is a serious problem. The Maryland Highway Safety Office reported that between 2017 and 2021, more than 53,000 crashes in the state involved a distracted driver. These crashes resulted in over 18,000 injuries and nearly 200 deaths. As experienced Baltimore distracted driving car accident lawyers, we have seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be.
Maryland Laws on Distracted Driving
Maryland has strict laws to combat distracted driving and hold negligent drivers accountable. Under Maryland law:
- It is illegal for any driver to use a handheld phone while driving.
- Texting while driving is completely prohibited, regardless of whether the vehicle is stopped in traffic.
- Maryland operates under a primary enforcement law, meaning police officers can pull drivers over solely for using a handheld device.
- For drivers under 18 and school bus drivers, using a phone while driving is prohibited, even with hands-free technology.
Violating these laws can result in fines, license points, and civil liability in the case of an accident. If a driver who caused your accident was cited for distracted driving, we can use this as strong evidence in your personal injury claim.
How Distracted Driving Leads to Severe Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because drivers fail to react in time to avoid collisions. Some of the most common types of crashes caused by distracted driving include:
- Rear-End Collisions: A distracted driver may not notice that traffic has stopped or slowed, leading to a crash.
- Side-Impact Crashes: Taking one’s eyes off the road at an intersection can result in dangerous T-bone collisions.
- Head-On Collisions: A driver texting or adjusting their GPS may drift into oncoming traffic, causing deadly head-on crashes.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Distracted drivers are less likely to notice people crossing the street or riding their bikes.
These accidents can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. As your auto accident attorneys in Baltimore, we are committed to holding distracted drivers accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you need for your recovery.
Proving Liability in a Distracted Driving Accident
We must prove that the at-fault driver was negligent to win a distracted driving accident case. This requires gathering evidence such as:
- Phone Records: If the driver was texting or on a call, phone records can confirm the exact time of use.
- Traffic Camera Footage: Many intersections and highways in Baltimore have cameras that may have captured the moment of distraction.
- Eyewitness Statements: Passengers or bystanders may have seen the driver engaging in distracted behavior.
- Police Reports: If law enforcement cited the driver for using a phone or other distractions, this is crucial evidence in your case.
- Vehicle Data and Black Box Information: Many modern vehicles have data recorders showing if the driver failed to brake or slow down before the crash.
Our Baltimore, MD, car wreck lawyers conduct thorough investigations to uncover every piece of evidence that supports your claim. We leave no stone unturned when proving that a distracted driver caused your injuries.
Compensation for Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
You may be entitled to significant compensation if you have been injured in a distracted-driving accident. Damages in these cases can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one due to a distracted driver, we can help you seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of distracted driving accidents, offering quick settlements that fail to cover long-term costs. As your accident attorneys in Baltimore, we will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law?
We have years of experience fighting for injured clients in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Our team understands the complexities of distracted driving cases and knows how to counter the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize claims. When you work with us, you benefit from:
- Personalized Legal Representation: We take the time to understand your situation and build a strategy tailored to your case.
- Proven Track Record: Our history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts speaks for itself.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Strong Negotiation and Trial Skills: We are prepared to fight for your rights in settlement negotiations or in court.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Baltimore Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer
1. What qualifies as distracted driving in Maryland?
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from operating their vehicle. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the GPS, or interacting with passengers. Maryland law prohibits explicitly using handheld devices while driving, making it illegal to text, call, or use social media while behind the wheel.
2. How do I prove the driver who hit me was distracted?
Proving distracted driving requires strong evidence. Our legal team gathers police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and phone records to show that the at-fault driver was distracted during the crash. In some cases, vehicle data recorders (black boxes) can provide additional evidence that the driver failed to react appropriately before impact.
3. What compensation can I receive after a distracted driving accident?
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, medications)
- Lost wages (missed work and loss of future earning potential)
- Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life)
- Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed in a distracted driving accident, the family may seek damages for funeral expenses and loss of companionship)
4. How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
Maryland law imposes a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. You must file your lawsuit within three years of the accident date. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
5. What if the distracted driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement?
Insurance companies often try to settle cases quickly for the lowest possible amount. Before accepting any offer, consult with our accident attorneys in Baltimore. We can evaluate whether the settlement is fair and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
6. How much does hiring a Baltimore distracted driving car accident lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees come from a percentage of the settlement or court award, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
7. How can I get started with my case?
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and discuss the best legal options for you. Call us or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Take Action Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t wait to take action. Maryland has a strict three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file your case within three years of the accident. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to compensation.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we are dedicated to helping victims of distracted driving accidents get the justice they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Call us now or fill out our online contact form to speak with a Baltimore distracted driving car accident lawyer.
