Distracted Driving and Car Accidents in Maryland

 Posted on June 15, 2025 in Car Accidents

Distracted driving is among the most common causes of car accidents in Maryland. At no point should someone intentionally take their attention away from the road. However, it happens, and people suffer because of it. In Maryland, you have the right to hold the at-fault driver in your case financially accountable for their actions, but you also have the responsibility of proving that they were negligent. Learn more about the laws regarding distracted driving and talk to a Hagerstown car accident attorney about building your claim.

What Is Distracted Driving in Maryland?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. The most common example is texting and driving, but it also includes talking on a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, operating a GPS, reaching for something in the vehicle, and more. Traffic studies show that teenagers are the demographic most likely to be involved in a crash caused by distracted driving.

Categories of Distraction on the Road

Instead of thinking of distracted driving as random acts, consider three different types of distractions that can lead to an accident:

• Visual distractions refer to anything that diverts the driver’s eyes from the road.

• Manual distractions require the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel.

• Cognitive distractions take the driver’s attention away from driving.

Typically, two or all types of distractions can occur at once. If someone is on their phone, that is a visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Reaching for something in the backseat of a car can only take a second, but it is a visual and manual distraction that can result in veering into traffic or off the road.

What Can You Do if You Are Hit by Someone Who Was Distracted While Driving?

In Maryland, you have three years to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident and injuries. However, the first step in seeking compensation is to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you file your claim for damages, including your non-economic losses.

Most car accident cases are settled outside the courtroom, but as the person filing the claim, you are responsible for proving the other party’s negligence and showing that the damages you claim are the direct result of their actions. With evidence like the police report, witness statements, and footage of the accident, your attorney may be able to prove that the driver who hit you was distracted, making them liable for the accident and your injuries.

Contact a Hagerstown, MD Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, speak to the Washington County, MD car accident lawyer at Serafini Law about what you can do to hold the driver liable. You need aggressive and supportive legal representation to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of filing a car accident claim while you focus on healing. Call 240-744-1600 anytime to schedule a free consultation and speak directly to the attorney who will be working on your case.