Car Accidents and Cellphone Use

Ask anyone concerned about traffic safety and you’ll probably get into a conversation about the dangers of drivers who talk on their cellphones or smartphones while operating a motor vehicle. Many auto accident experts agree that using a cellphone while driving is one of the more common causes of traffic collisions in this modern age. Furthermore, it has been proven by various safety studies that “texting and driving” is on a par with “drinking and driving,” at least in terms of generating senseless passenger car and commercial trucking crashes.

A person who is impaired by alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel is arguably a menace on the road because he or she likely has reduced physical abilities and impaired mental faculties. Drinking and driving is a serious problem and many of the fatal traffic collisions in this country occur because of drunk driving. Likewise, motorists who choose to text while operating a car or truck also raise their chances of having a serious or fatal road accident simply because their attention is not on the task of driving.

One of the differences between drunk driving and texting and driving is the simple fact that texting distracts only for as long as the driver engages in that activity. The sad irony is that many accidents resulting from texting or talking while driving could likely have been prevented if only the negligent driver had not been using his or her cellphone in the first place. As auto injury lawyers, the attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, know that the use of electronic devices in an automotive setting by drivers who should otherwise by concentrating on the road can be a major source of traffic collisions, many of which result in pain and suffering for the victims of these serious automobile, commercial truck and motorcycle accidents.

While almost anything can distract a motorist -- the act of adjusting a car radio, sipping coffee, having a conversation with another adult in the vehicle, disciplining unruly toddlers, or consoling screaming infants -- the distraction of talking or texting on a cellphone or checking email on a smartphone can be so absorbing that the driver may momentarily forget about the world outside his windshield. This can be one of the most dangerous moments for the occupants of that particular vehicle, as well as those in other nearby cars and trucks.

Fortunately, here in Maryland, as well as other states, our legislators understood the potentially life-threatening situation presented by cellphones. Because of this, Maryland law bans the use of handheld cellphones and text messaging while driving a motor vehicle. There are no exceptions. Texting is positively prohibited by law; not even while a vehicle is waiting at a stop sign or stuck in traffic on the beltway. No texting and no reading of text messages either.

As motorists ourselves, the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen know how important it is for everyone to obey our state traffic laws in order for our roadways to remain safe. Unfortunately, there will always be individuals who either feel that certain laws don’t apply to them or that they have some extraordinary ability to multitask behind the wheel of their car or truck without fear of causing a road accident.

Regardless of the mindset that encourages some motorists to ignore public safety and risk a serious car or trucking-related beltway wreck, it is a given that as long as cellphones and smartphones exist, there will be traffic collisions as a result. Here at the law offices of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal staff has the training and experience to represent victims of distracted driving accidents caused in whole or in part by texting or talking on a cellphone while driving.

As skilled trial lawyers, the Lebowitz & Mzhen legal team is ready to help victims and their families. Being injured by a distracted driver shouldn’t mean that you have to pay for the medical costs incurred following a serious car, truck or motorcycle wreck. As professional litigators, we understand the stress of having to fight for your right to compensation after being severely injured by a negligent driver. Our attorneys will fight with you to recover damages based on medical expenses, lost wages, funeral benefits (in cases of wrongful death), as well as pain and suffering.

There is no reason that any victim of a traffic accident caused by the negligence of another motorist should have to foot the bill for injuries they sustained in a car, truck, bus or pedestrian collision. Faced with ever-growing medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, rehabilitation expenses and other related monetary expenditures, our lawyers will help you to maintain your financial security during one of the most difficult times of your life.

Auto accident victims have rights. We recommend that anyone hurt in a severe car crash or commercial trucking collision pick up the phone and contact a reputable personal injury attorney. We at the law offices of Lebowitz & Mzhen are always happy to take your call and discuss your auto, truck or motorcycle accident case. Do not hesitate to call us toll-free at (800) 654-1949; or send an email to either Jack Lebowitz or Vadim Mzhen to arrange at no-obligation consultation.