At the law offices of Cohen & Cohen, our Maryland MVA lawyers are all too familiar with the great impact cell phone use has had in contributing to motor vehicle accidents (MVA). There are a number of distractions that drivers may succumb to when behind the wheel of a car. The statistics can be startling, which has prompted lawmakers across the country to take notice and implement change.
Cell phones are widely used by most people. Many use them as their primary way of communicating and connecting with the world. Despite the risk cell phones pose to drivers on the road, people still have difficulty in putting them down. Unfortunately, cell phone use is a contributing factor in many car crashes people fall victim to. If you have been in an accident at the hands of a driver who was using their cell phone, they may be held responsible for the accident. The Maryland MVA lawyers at Cohen & Cohen have experience in representing victims who have faced an accident at the hands of a distracted driver. By reviewing your case, we may be able to represent you in your personal injury claim.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be anything that takes a person’s attention away from the road. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving can take on many forms if it causes a person to:
- Take their mind off of driving
- Take their hands off the wheel
- Take their eyes off the road
Cell phones today pose a huge risk for drivers. Not only does a cell phone have the ability to make calls, you can also use them to listen to music, text, email, and browse the web. The options seem nearly limitless. Because of this, drivers aren’t just distracted by making calls when behind the wheel, they also offer a number of other uses for a user. Cell phone use when driving can increase risk for those on the road. Operating a cell phone behind the wheel is a form of distracted driving which, according to the CDC has been on the rise in recent years.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident involving a negligent person on their cell phone, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with licensed Maryland MVA lawyers.
Banning Cell Phone Use
Lawmakers across the country have had to carefully take this into consideration and respond accordingly. Cell phone laws vary depending on the state in which a person resides. While a number of states still allow drivers to speak on their phones without a hands free device, all but a few have outlawed texting and driving:
- Montana
- Missouri
- Arizona
Banning cell phone use for drivers is believed to help deter people from using their phones when they are behind the wheel. Cell phone use can produce disastrous outcomes for those on the road. Cell phone use is a significant distraction that can cause a person to take their focus off of driving. As a result, a person may be unable to respond appropriately and safely to common occurrences when driving. In addition, the ability to process the road they are driving can be severely impacted.
Regardless of cell phone laws, when a negligent person causes harm to another, they may be liable for expenses related to the victim’s injuries. If you have been hurt by someone using a cell phone while driving, you may need Maryland MVA lawyers to help you seek compensation from the negligent party and their insurance company.
Not only can an accident produce terrible outcomes for victims, knowing that your accident was the result of distracted driving can fuel frustrations. While each state has variations to laws when it comes to cell phone use, one thing remains clear- cell phone use is a form of distraction when driving, which can seriously impact a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. Cohen & Cohen may be able to help by carefully reviewing your case and keep your rights at the forefront should legal recourse be the necessary next step.
For highly rated Maryland, MVA lawyers, contact the experienced legal team at Cohen & Cohen for a free case evaluation with no obligations.
Even a MVA lawyer Maryland trusts can admit that motorcycles can be a fun way to get around while saving costs of fuel. However, it may be obvious to hear that motorcycles are significantly more dangerous to operate compared to other vehicles. In fact, motorcyclists are around thirty times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those in the standard car. Despite these odds, many people still find enjoyment in going for a cruise on two wheels. While the risks of severe injury are a reality, this should not discourage a person from riding their motorcycle entirely. Any rider just must be aware of the risks so they can take the necessary safety precautions.
In the article below, a MVA lawyer Maryland counts on has listed eight safety tips that every motorcyclist should know about, if they do not already.
What are ways that motorcyclists can help protect themselves from accidents?
It is possible for a motorcyclist to find joy in riding, and never find themselves involved in an accident. There are strategies that someone can use to decrease their chances of being hit by a car. Things you can do to dramatically reduce risk of injury are listed as follows:
- Before hopping on your bike, check that the lights, signals, horn, chain, belt and brakes are working as they are supposed to. Also, examine your tires for wear and correct right levels of pressure. If a tire is not inflated to where it should be, it may be more difficult to steer and lean.
- A MVA lawyers in Maryland will also likely recommend that you always keep your eye out for potential road hazards, including loose gravel, objects, water puddles and oil spots. Strewn debri on the road can easily cause a rider to slide unexpectedly.
- Never ride in slippery weather conditions, as rain or snow on the ground can lead to hydroplaning and losing control of the bike. Be more gentle with braking, throttling and steering during wet weather to help prevent sliding.
- Wear protective gear at all times when riding, including helmet, jacket, jeans, riding pants, boots and gloves.
- Practice defensive riding, and always permit plenty of space between you and the car ahead.
- Invest in anti-lock brakes, which are proven to reduce a rider’s risk of being involved in a fatal crash.
- A MVA lawyer in Maryland will also likely inform you that for beginners and experienced riders alike, if you want to enhance your skills consider taking a motorcycle safety class.
- In some states, whether or not to wear a helmet may be a debatable topic. However, riding without a helmet greatly raises a rider’s risk of suffering a fatal head injury.
What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my medical bills from an accident?
If you were hit by a car and suffered financial loss, you may want to talk to an attorney soon after the collision. Motorcyclists can endure very painful and expensive injuries associated with being struck by a car. In order to seek the compensation needed to pay your medical bills, you may have to file a civil lawsuit against the car driver. A MVA lawyer Maryland should turn to can perform an evaluation of your case to help you decide if this is the route you wish to take.
If you or your loved one has suffered from a motor vehicle accident, it may in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen
