In the U.S., our federal laws are the ones that govern our entire country. However, states also have the power to create unique rules at the state level.
These laws can vary radically, even among neighbors. As you can imagine, this makes knowing Maryland’s driving laws very important if you’re driving through.
It’s always good to follow the driving laws for your own safety and that of others, but you should also follow the rules because it protects you legally in the event of an accident.
In other words, it’s important to know the rules and follow them for safety’s sake, but also because it can help you determine who is liable for the accident-- and in turn, who pays for the damages.
Specific Rules in Maryland
All of Maryland’s driving laws are worth committing to memory, but the following are particularly important to follow for everyone’s safety.
-
Seatbelts: Drivers and passengers 16 and over in Maryland must all be wearing seatbelts, though it’s worth noting that someone not wearing a seatbelt in the rear seats is only a secondary offense. Children that are either under 8 or under 57” tall need to be in a child safety restraint system.
-
Drunk driving: In Maryland, a driver cannot legally operate a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more. Additionally, ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are mandatory for any DUI convictions-- even for first-time offenders.
-
Open container laws: Maryland’s drivers aren’t allowed to have open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of the car. That being said, open containers can be stored in the trunk.
-
Distracted driving: Distracted driving is simply any activity that takes the rider’s attention off the road. As part of the state’s efforts to combat distracted driving, drivers in Maryland are not allowed to engage in texting while driving. In fact, there is a ban on using any handheld devices while you’re driving.
Distracted Driving and Your Maryland Auto Accident
Perhaps the other driver thought that he’d be okay if he texted while driving. It turned out that he wasn’t and you were hit and badly hurt as a result of his negligence.
The fact that he was texting while driving when he hit you could entitle you to file a personal injury claim, which could help ease your recovery from your injury.
A personal injury lawyer can help you file this claim, and a personal injury lawyer is very important in this process. Specifically, personal injury lawyers can really help your case because Maryland is an at-fault state when it comes to insurance payment.
The liable party is the one who has to pay for accident damages, and your lawyer will be adept at helping you demonstrate that you were the victim and the other party is liable for damages.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
Perhaps you’re concerned about hiring an attorney. It can be frightening and more than a little anxiety-inducing to file a personal injury claim, but an experienced personal injury lawyer in Maryland can make the process much easier.
He or she will help you gather evidence, build your case, and negotiate on your behalf.
In the meantime, you can focus on your recovery. Putting together a personal injury claim is hard enough, and it’s punishing to do it while also tending to your pain and injuries.
There’s no need to do both. Find a trustworthy personal injury attorney and allow yourself to work on your recovery--not your case.
