Distracted Driving Accidents in Harford County
It is common knowledge that drunk driving and reckless driving are extremely unsafe and can endanger the lives of other people in your vehicle, as well as other motorists on the road. Yet, while distracted driving can be just as dangerous, too many people continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. In fact, according to the federal government website, Distraction.gov, over 3,400 people lost their lives due to distracted driving-related accidents in one year alone.
At LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, we have over 25 years of experience protecting the rights of accident victims and making sure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Some examples of distracted driving behaviors are obvious, including texting, talking, or watching a video while driving. However, distracted driving includes any task or action that requires you do to the following:
- Remove your hands from the steering wheel
- Take your eyes off the road
- Lose concentration and take your mind off driving
Examples of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a term that can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors that interfere with the manual, visual, or cognitive aspects of driving. The following are examples of distracted driving behaviors that can cause serious accidents, resulting in potentially life-threatening injuries:
- Talking on the phone
- Sending or reading a text message
- Checking social media
- Reading the GPS navigation system or checking a map
- Watching a video
- Putting on makeup
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for something in the backseat or on the floor
- Changing the radio station
- Arguing with another passenger
- Disciplining or entertaining children in the back seat
In the state of Maryland, it is against the law to text or use a handheld device while driving. Novice drivers are prohibited from using their cellphones under any circumstances, regardless of whether it is handheld or hands-free. Drivers caught texting or talking on the phone while driving face steep penalties, yet this continues to be a major problem on roads and highways across the state. In fact, texting and cell phone use are two of the most common causes of negligent driver wrecks. If it becomes clear that the distracted behavior caused the accident, law enforcement may hold the distracted driver criminally liable for any serious injuries or fatalities.
It only takes one moment of distraction for a devastating accident to occur. While it may be tempting to send a quick text or answer an incoming phone call, consider pulling over to the side of the road or another safe spot before taking that call or sending the text, or any other behavior that could distract your attention away from the road, even for a couple of seconds.
Harford County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident involving a distracted driver, you are urged to contact the Harford County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. Our dedicated and experienced team will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice is served. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Harford County, which includes the municipalities of Aberdeen, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace.