Hagerstown Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

How Distracted Driving Affects Your Driving Ability

Distracted driving is a significant threat to road safety because it takes a driver's attention away from the critical task of controlling the vehicle. When distractions occur, a driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden changes in the road is severely impaired, increasing the risk of accidents, including wrongful death incidents. There are three main types of distractions: cognitive, visual, and manual. Each one affects a driver’s ability to react and make sound decisions.

• Cognitive Distraction: This happens when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. It could involve daydreaming, thinking about personal issues, or even engaging in an intense conversation. Cognitive distractions delay decision-making, making it harder to react to unexpected situations, potentially leading to fatal accidents.
• Visual Distraction: This occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road to look at something else. Common examples include checking a text message or glancing at a GPS screen. When a driver’s visual focus is diverted, they miss critical road signs, obstacles, or changes in traffic conditions, putting everyone on the road at risk. In the worst cases, these distractions can lead to wrongful death accidents.
• Manual Distraction: This happens when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel to engage in activities like texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls. A driver loses the ability to quickly steer or make sudden maneuvers, which dramatically increases the risk of crashes, including severe accidents that could result in life-threatening injuries or even wrongful death.

When any of these distractions occur, a driver’s ability to make timely and correct decisions is compromised, often leading to accidents. In cases of fatal accidents, the family of the deceased may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking justice and compensation for the loss of their loved one.

Types of Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving can cause a variety of accidents, and understanding the different types helps highlight the serious consequences. Common types of distracted driving accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A distracted driver may fail to notice the vehicle ahead stopping, leading to a rear-end crash. These are often caused by texting or looking away from the road.
• Side-Impact Crashes: Distractions can cause drivers to run red lights or fail to yield at intersections, resulting in a side-impact or T-bone crash. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they often involve high-speed collisions.
• Pedestrian Accidents: A distracted driver may not notice pedestrians crossing the street, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Looking at a phone or engaging with in-car technology can prevent drivers from noticing pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Head-On Collisions: Sometimes, a distracted driver drifts out of their lane or crosses into oncoming traffic, leading to a head-on crash. These accidents are often catastrophic and can cause severe injuries.

Each of these accidents demonstrates the potential dangers of distracted driving and how it can cause harm to others on the road.

How We Investigate Distracted Driving Accidents

Investigating a distracted driving accident requires thorough attention to detail. At Britt-Reed Law Offices, we follow a structured process to gather the evidence needed to prove liability:

• Phone Records: We request phone records to determine if the driver was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the accident.
• Vehicle Data: Modern vehicles have black box data that records speed, braking, and other driving behaviors. We examine this data to determine the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
• Eyewitness Accounts: We speak to any witnesses who may have seen the distracted driver’s behavior before or during the accident. Their testimony can be critical in proving negligence.
• Traffic Camera Footage: If available, we analyze traffic camera or surveillance footage to identify any distracting activities the driver may have engaged in.
• Police Reports: We review the official police report to see if any mention of distracted driving was made during the investigation.

By collecting all available evidence, we work to demonstrate that the other driver was distracted and prove liability in the case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is considered distracted driving?
  Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in-car technology, or even daydreaming. These distractions reduce the driver’s ability to respond quickly and make safe decisions, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Can I claim compensation if I was hit by a distracted driver?
  Yes, if you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the claims process.
• How long do I have to file a distracted driving accident claim in Maryland?
  In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from distracted driving accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. It is important to act promptly to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to file your claim.
• What types of distractions cause accidents?
  The main types of distractions that can cause accidents are:
  • Cognitive distractions: Mental distractions like daydreaming or having a conversation.
  • Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at a phone.
  • Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel, like texting or eating.
• How do I prove that the other driver was distracted?
  To prove that the other driver was distracted, our attorneys will gather evidence such as phone records, vehicle data (from black boxes), eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, and police reports. This evidence helps establish that distraction played a role in the accident.
• What damages can I recover in a distracted driving accident claim?
  You may be entitled to recover damages for:
  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages due to injury
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium (for spouses or family)
  • Punitive damages (if the driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence)