Accidents caused by distracted drivers are infuriating for victims and their loved ones because they are the entirely preventable result of a very selfish act. When the distraction is texting or other device use, it is insulting to even call it an accident. Drivers who choose to text know that they are putting others at risk. And, we have known for years that texting while driving is as dangerous or more dangerous than drunk driving, and much easier to get away with. Maryland drivers who do get caught face only a small fine, but if you were injured by a distracted driver, whether they were texting or distracted by something else, you can still recover full compensation for your injuries.
Common Distractions Leading to Car Crashes
Texting is one of the worst distractions, but anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving can result in a serious accident. Something as simple as daydreaming can end in a fatal crash. Examples of the common distractions that lead to car wrecks include:
- Texting, watching videos, and using social media
- Taking selfies
- Talking on the phone, even hands-free
- GPS and other device use
- Adjusting settings such as climate control and seat position
- Adjusting the stereo
- Talking to passengers
- Attending to children
- Eating and drinking
- Personal grooming
- Reaching for items in the floor or back seat
- Looking for items in a purse, bag or briefcase
- Rubbernecking
- Daydreaming
Distracted driving can be hard to prove, but an experienced car accident attorney like Patrick Troxler will thoroughly investigate your accident and can use many types of evidence. Technology has given us more distractions, but it has also given us more ways to prove it. Examples of the types of evidence that may be used to prove distracted driving include:
- Phone records
- Video and still images from traffic cameras, security cameras and other stationary cameras
- Videos and pictures taken by witnesses
- Videos and pictures posted to social media by the distracted driver
- Old-fashioned witness testimony
- Admissions made by the distracted driver immediately after the accident
If you or someone you love was hurt by a distracted driver, you deserve full compensation. Please, call experienced Maryland car accident attorney Patrick D. Troxler, Esq., at 301-709-7195 today or email us right away to schedule your free consultation.
