Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Upper Marlboro

Texting and driving is an ever-increasing problem on the roads and highways. Texting requires drivers to take their eyes off of the road and their hands off of the wheel. Even short glances away from the road can result in a very serious crash, and sending messages on a phone tends to take longer than a split second. Therefore, someone on their cell phone is while driving their vehicle is likely to lead to your and others in your vehicle getting hurt.

To hold a defendant responsible for texting while driving car accidents in Upper Marlboro, let a dedicated car wreck attorney at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. represent you in your case. You deserve proper representation from Roger Gelb geared toward winning you financial compensation.

Jump ahead to

Distracted Driving Under State Law

Maryland is a “hands-free” state by forbidding certain types of distractions and use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle. State law forbids certain types of actions while behind the wheel in an attempt to prevent drivers from being negligent. Some of these prohibited actions include:

Writing, reading, or sending any text messages if behind the wheel
Using a handheld cell phone while driving
Using a cell phone while driving regardless of if it is hands-free while under the age of 18 years old

If someone violates this law, they may face criminal sanctions, in addition to having this evidence be used against them in court. Proving negligence is a crucial part of a successful lawsuit like this and may help the plaintiff win their case.

Contrary to many people’s beliefs, a driver is not permitted to text while the car is stopped, such as at a red light. If a crash in Upper Marlboro was caused by a driver who was on their cell phone, they may be held accountable, even in this type of situation.

Exceptions to the Hands-Free Law

While hands-free devices are allowed in most situations, there are a number of exceptions which primarily involve emergency situations. Individuals are permitted to call 911, the fire department, law enforcement, or other emergency services while driving. Although someone is allowed to use their phone to call emergency services, this rule does not permit any form of emergency texting, so texting while operating a vehicle is still considered negligent behavior.

Negligence in a Texting While Driving Case

Evidence that the defendant violated texting and driving laws may help prove negligence, but a ticket from a law enforcement officer is not required to show that the defendant caused the crash. A capable attorney could investigate all of the surrounding circumstances to prove the claim for the injured plaintiff. This may include:

What other witnesses observed during the wreck
Accident reconstructions and experts
Police reports and any citations issued
Property damage reports
Plaintiff’s and defendant’s testimony

Understanding how to investigate and properly prove a claim could make all the difference in if a case like this is ultimately successful. A highly experienced attorney understands how to figure out the cause of the collision when possible. It is highly recommended for an injured person to work with an Upper Marlboro attorney familiar with texting and driving collision cases.

Consult an Attorney about Texting While Driving Car Accidents in Upper Marlboro

If someone chooses to text and drive, they should not be permitted to get away without ramifications. Their irresponsibility could result in a significant losses for the other people involved.

To start a consultation on your texting while driving car accident in Upper Marlboro, let the qualified team at Gelb & Gelb, P.C. help you. Contact our office today.