Car accidents in Maryland can happen for various reasons, and the risk only increases when you get to densely populated cities like Baltimore. Some drivers are reckless and shouldn’t have a license, while others are involved in incidents that aren’t their fault.

Interestingly, statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation show that around 48% of accidents in the state result from distracted driving. This is higher than we might suspect, partly because there are so many common types of distracted driving.

So, what does distracted driving actually mean? Also, can you make a claim against distracted drivers if you’re injured as a result?

Common Examples Of Distracted Driving

1) Dealing with others in the car

This first one is all too common and isn’t always the fault of the driver. It’s much easier to focus on the road and avoid accidents when you’re driving on your own. There aren’t the same visual and auditory distractions as there are when you have a partner giving directions in the passenger seat, kids yelling questions from the back, or a dog that won’t stop barking. Naturally, you’re going to want to handle those issues, and that means taking your eyes and mind off of what’s in front of you.

2) Trying to multitask

While dealing with others isn’t always your fault, multitasking definitely is. When the car is in motion on the road, that’s all you should be concerned with. When you start trying to do a secondary action, like adjusting the stereo or taking a sip of coffee, your attention gets diverted.

You can easily miss hazards in a split second. Eating on the road may feel like a necessity, but it’s always best to stop somewhere instead. Doing your make-up while driving is not necessary, yet surprisingly common.

3) Paying attention to roadside distractions

Distractions don’t just apply to what’s going on within the car. Driving through a city like Baltimore can be excessively distracting with all the people, other traffic, billboards, and events going on around you.

It’s easy to focus on ads designed to draw your eye or focus on other situations at the roadside. How many people will accidentally drive into the car in front because they were too busy looking at someone else’s car accident?

4) Thinking about other things

Keeping your mind 100% focused on the road and other drivers is easier said than done. It means completely shutting off the internal monologue that’s distracting you with thoughts about the day ahead.

If you’re heading to work or an appointment, you’re going to be thinking about what you need to do and stressing about outcomes. If you’re already in an anxious state before you get in the car, that’s going to make things worse.

5) Texting while driving

This final one is a big issue that law enforcement across America wants to crack down on. Many people are glued to their phones and struggle to put them away or ignore them. There’s an urge to read every message and notification as soon as you get the alert.

Many drivers know better than to take calls while driving, but far too many will send messages. The amount of cognitive and visual attention that it takes makes it highly dangerous.

Making A Case Against Distracted Drivers

This list of different types of distracted driving shows that there are so many other ways it can cause accidents on the road. That moment of a loss in concentration, however short, could literally be the difference between life and death. Distracted drivers could easily drive into other cars, property, or people.

At best, everyone comes away unscathed, and there’s just some property damage to deal with. At worst, there could be numerous fatal injuries. So, the next question is whether victims can make a claim.

Thankfully, there are plenty of laws protecting victims against distracted drivers and holding culprits accountable. There may be criminal charges, depending on the severity of the consequences. This could include vehicular assault or manslaughter charges or cases related to DWI charges.

Then there are the civil cases, where claimants affected by the situation can file for compensation. Pedestrian accidents and car accidents are both specializations in personal injury law. As long as you have the evidence to back up claims of financial stress, lost earnings, physical pain, and emotional suffering, a car accident lawyer in Maryland can help you make a claim.

Finding Car Accident Lawyers In Maryland

With so many car accidents occurring in Maryland, for many reasons, there are plenty of experienced car accident lawyers out there ready to help. These personal injury specialists can help any victim make a case against a distracted driver, drunk driver, or anyone else who was reckless on the road.

Their professionalism allows for detailed cases full of hard evidence to use against the driver. They’ll go over all your expenses and help build a picture of your pain and suffering. This can help you win economic and non-economic damages to ease your recovery.

Of course, lawyers can also help represent you if you’re one of those distracted drivers fighting a case. The results of any criminal or civil charges will depend on the finer details of what happened and the strength of the evidence.

The other side has to prove your negligence caused the injuries and/or property damage claimed. A good car accident defense will question police reports and challenge subjective evidence to lessen the repercussions you face. They can also help you present any medical or third-party evidence that proves the so-called distraction wasn’t actually your fault.

Get The Legal Representation You Deserve

The issue of distracted driving is complex. Many drivers cause accidents due to a reckless level of negligence, such as those who text and multitask as they drive. Then others are distracted by other people and situations and are normally careful.

Whether you’re facing action because of a mistake or making a claim for damages sustained, the best Maryland car accident lawyers can help. Get in touch today to see how they can help you get justice.