Distracted Driving Accidents in Baltimore County

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road. Usually people associate the term “distracted driving” with texting and driving, but it can also include eating and driving, playing with the radio, or interacting with passengers in the back seat. The bottom line is that no driver is safely operating their vehicle unless their eyes and attention are on the road at all times.

Distracted driving is not to be taken lightly. National estimates suggest at least 16 percent of all fatal car accidents are caused by distracted drivers. In fact, those who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a wreck. Even those who talk on a hands-free cell phone raise their risk of being in an accident to that of someone who is driving while intoxicated. Due to an effect called “latency,” even after a driver puts down the phone, he or she is not fully engaged with driving for another 27 seconds.

Common Distractions Behind the Wheel

Some of the most common distractions affecting drivers include:

  • Texting while driving
  • Using voice to text function
  • Typing an address into a GPS
  • Speaking an address into a GPS
  • Talking on a phone (both hands free and hand held)
  • Getting directions off the internet
  • Interacting with children in the backseat or other passengers
  • Reading written directions
  • Reading news while driving
  • Watching social media or television on a screen propped up on the console
  • Operating car windows or other interior vehicle controls
  • Smoking while driving
  • Vaping while driving
  • Changing the radio station
  • Reading billboards
  • Looking at scenery out the window
  • Looking at an accident you are passing
  • Eating while driving
  • Drinking beverages while driving
  • Picking up items dropped in the car
  • Personal grooming

What to do After a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, be prepared to get a phone call from the other driver’s insurance company. They will often try to talk to you about the accident and get information from you to reduce their liability. The insurance adjuster’s job is to try to find ways to minimize the amount of money they must pay out on claims. Their purpose is to make a profit, not to help accident victims. It is critical that you do not provide any statements before speaking to a qualified car accident lawyer. Most importantly, do not sign anything that has not been reviewed by your lawyer.

Avoiding a Distracted Driving Car Accident

Although there is little one can do to protect themselves from the dangerous driving of others, there are some things all drivers can do to reduce the impact of distracted driving:

  • Model safe behavior behind the wheel by never texting while driving
  • Take a pledge to commit to distraction-free driving
  • If you are in a car with someone who is texting while driving, speak up
  • Encourage others by promoting safe driving in your community
  • If you are a parent of a teen driver, teach your children about cell phone and texting bans
  • Tell your children that cars are a “no phone zone”
  • Have your children pledge never to text and drive

Determining Liability

At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident. We have extensive experience gathering evidence to prove that the distracted driver was the cause of your injury. If you are in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Following your accident, we can collect your medical and employment records and medical bills for you. We can also help you document your pain and suffering in order to ensure that you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your injury.

Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Are Zealous Advocates for Victims of Distracted Driving

If you or someone you love has been severely injured because of another driver’s negligence, we can help. The experienced Baltimore County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are committed to getting justice and compensation for victims of distracted driving. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Baltimore County, including the towns of Arbutus, Baltimore, Bowleys Quarters, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Dundalk, Edgemere, Essex, Garrison, Hampton, Ilchester, Kingsville, Lansdowne, Lochearn, Lutherville, Mays Chapel, Middle River, Milford Mill, Overlea, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Rosedale, Rossville, Timonium, Towson, White Marsh, and Woodlawn, Maryland.