Distracted drivers can be seen on Maryland roads every single day with great frequency. This means that distracted driving-related accidents are a problem. Although, statistics show that these types of collisions are on the decline — at least in this state. Still, every year, numerous individuals suffer injuries or lose their lives because of the actions of individuals who choose not to pay attention when behind the wheel of an automobile.
What exactly is distracted driving? How big of an issue is this in Maryland? What can victims of distracted driving-related accidents or — in the event of fatality — their surviving family members do to seek compensation for their losses?
Distracted driving is…
Distracted driving is operating a vehicle while focused on things other than the road. There are four types of distracted driving:
- Cognitive
- Auditory
- Manual
- Visual
Some of these distractions may overlap one another. For example, if a person is texting without the use of a hands-free device, his or her hands are not of the wheel (manual distraction), his or her eyes are not on the road, (visual distraction), and his or her mind is not on the road (cognitive distraction). This is why many sources say that texting while driving may be the most dangerous distraction of all.
How big of an issue is this?
In the United States as a whole, roughly 27,000 people suffer injuries or die as a result of distracted driving-related car crashes annually. In Maryland, the numbers vary from year to year, but experts believe that 45% of all auto accidents in the state are the result of distracted driving. The areas hit the hardest are metropolitan areas. The times these accidents are most commonly seen are weekday mornings and afternoons. Those most frequently involved in such incidents are males under the age of 30.
Seeking compensation
Distracted driving is negligent driving in the state of Maryland. This means that victims of distracted driving-related collisions, or their loved ones, may have the right to seek compensation for their losses. They may do this by filing civil claims against the drivers responsible for those losses, along with others who may bear some legal liability.
Seeking relief following distracted driving-related accidents is not always easy. Proving that a driver was not paying attention when he or she caused a collision can prove challenging in some cases. However, a thorough investigation into the matter can bring information to light that will help victims or their surviving family members as they seek maximum relief either through out-of-court settlement negotiations or litigation.
