Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on the roads of Maryland, with many leading to life-altering consequences. Understanding the most common causes of car accidents can help reduce the risks of being involved in one. Whether you’re a daily commuter in Baltimore or driving through more rural parts of the state, awareness and caution are essential.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the top causes of car accidents in Maryland, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, reaching out to a Baltimore car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities that often follow such incidents.
1. Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Maryland, and across the U.S., is distracted driving. With the proliferation of smartphones, drivers today face more distractions than ever. Distracted driving can involve:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting in-car controls
- Talking to passengers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 mph is akin to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. Unfortunately, this behavior is all too common and leads to a significant number of crashes. While Maryland enforces laws against texting and using handheld devices while driving, accidents related to distracted driving still occur.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another major contributor to car accidents in Maryland. Drivers who exceed speed limits not only break the law but also increase the likelihood of an accident. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time, increases stopping distance, and can make controlling the vehicle more difficult, especially in poor weather conditions like rain or snow.
Why It’s Dangerous
Speeding turns what could be a minor fender-bender into a more severe collision. The faster a vehicle is moving, the greater the force of impact, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities. Speeding also increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, especially around curves or in congested traffic conditions, which are common in cities like Baltimore.
Maryland’s Speeding Laws
Maryland law enforces speed limits based on the type of road and its location. Urban areas typically have lower speed limits than highways. Drivers caught speeding can face fines, points on their license, and increased insurance premiums. Worse, if speeding leads to an accident, the driver may face lawsuits from those injured in the crash.
3. Drunk Driving
Despite numerous public safety campaigns and stringent DUI laws, drunk driving remains a significant cause of car accidents in Maryland. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, often leading to catastrophic results.
The Law and Consequences
Maryland has strict DUI laws, with drivers facing penalties that include hefty fines, jail time, and license suspension if convicted. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered legally intoxicated. Those caught driving under the influence face not only criminal charges but can also be sued in civil court by victims of their recklessness.
If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, a Baltimore car accident attorney can help you hold the responsible party accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Running red lights and stop signs is another common cause of car accidents in Maryland. Drivers in a rush or those simply not paying attention may blow through traffic signals, leading to T-bone accidents or pedestrian collisions.
Intersection Dangers
Intersections are naturally dangerous, as they are points where traffic from multiple directions converges. When a driver disregards a traffic signal, the results can be disastrous. Accidents at intersections often involve side-impact collisions, which can be particularly deadly, especially for passengers seated on the side of the impact.
Legal and Safety Consequences
Running a red light is considered a traffic violation, and if it leads to an accident, the driver can be held liable. Red-light cameras are installed at various intersections in Maryland to catch offenders, but not all areas are covered. Accidents resulting from running a red light often lead to insurance claims, legal action, and sometimes criminal charges, especially if someone is seriously injured or killed.
5. Weather Conditions
Maryland experiences a variety of weather conditions, from snow and ice in the winter to heavy rainstorms in the summer. Poor weather often contributes to car accidents, especially when drivers fail to adjust their driving to suit the conditions.
The Role of Weather in Accidents
Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility, while icy roads make it harder to stop or control a vehicle. Even experienced drivers can find themselves in accidents if they don’t slow down or if their tires and brakes aren’t in good condition. Weather-related accidents are common during the colder months, particularly in more rural areas of the state where snow removal services may not be as frequent.
Staying Safe
Drivers should always check the weather before heading out, slow down in poor conditions, and ensure their vehicle is equipped to handle inclement weather. If an accident occurs due to poor weather, the situation can become more complicated legally. A car accident lawyer Maryland can help assess whether negligence was involved, such as failure to properly maintain a vehicle for winter driving.
Final Thoughts: How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Car accidents can happen to anyone, but many are preventable by following traffic laws and driving cautiously. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue legal action. A Baltimore car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, file claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.