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There are many different types of collisions that occur in Maryland, each of which comes with a different degree of risk. Head-on or frontal collisions are often among the most severe, although vehicles now have safety systems designed to reduce the danger of such crashes. Side collisions or T-bone crashes remain relatively dangerous, as side-impact airbags are not standard safety systems. Rear-end collisions are some of the most common crashes that occur. Rear-end crashes can cause a host of injuries. The people in the front vehicle are at risk of serious soft tissue injuries or brain injuries if they strike their heads during the crash. Those in the rear vehicle could also suffer traumatic injuries ranging from blunt force trauma to the head to broken bones. Who is typically to blame for rear-end collisions in Maryland? Every crash is a unique situation. Many people operate under the assumption that the driver in the rear vehicle is always to blame for a rear-end crash. Quite a few rear-end crashes occur because the driver in the rear vehicle does something irresponsible or unsafe. They may engage in tailgating because they feel frustrated about the speed of another vehicle in traffic. Even someone not engaged in unnecessary aggressive driving could fail to maintain an appropriate following distance behind another vehicle. In cases where excess speed or insufficient space between vehicles is the primary cause of a rear-end crash, the driver in the rear vehicle is usually the party to blame for the wreck. However, there are scenarios in which the driver in the rear vehicle may not be the proximate cause of the accident. Perhaps the driver in the front vehicle failed to use their turn signals or did not break appropriately to indicate their intention to stop or decelerate. Maybe improper vehicle maintenance means that the brake lights or turn signals did not illuminate, leading to a sudden stop by the front vehicle and the crash. The driver in the front vehicle could also have caused a dangerous situation by cutting someone else off in traffic. Merging or turning too close in front of another vehicle deprives the other driver of an opportunity to respond safely to changing traffic circumstances. In scenarios where a rear-end collision is part of a chain reaction or multi-vehicle crash, there may be more factors to consider when determining who is at fault. Understanding what influences fault for a rear-end collision can help people evaluate their options for compensation. People in the front or rear vehicle may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the other driver if they are to blame for the incident in question.

If you are injured while riding as a passenger in a car accident, you might be wondering what your options are. The good news is, yes, you can take legal steps. In Maryland, passengers riding in the car can file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver, even if that driver is someone you know, like a friend or family member. Every driver is responsible for driving safely, not just for other drivers but also for passengers. If a driver fails to do this and causes an accident, they can be held accountable for any injuries. Passengers are in a different position Being a passenger during a car accident puts you in a different spot than the drivers. If a driver sues another driver, they say the other person caused the crash. But as a passenger, you’re usually not at fault. This means you could still get money for your injuries even if the driver of your car was entirely responsible for the accident. In short, you or a family member can go after the driver’s auto insurance carrier for damages. Still, it is a unique position and often requires some delicacy if the parties know each other and the passenger accuses the driver of negligence. Maryland has contributory negligence laws When dealing with personal injury cases, Maryland uses a rule called contributory negligence.. This means If you are slightly at fault in Maryland, you can’t get any money from the other person. Luckily, as a passenger, this usually isn’t a problem for you. You can still file a claim against drivers at fault, which can be vital if you have severe injuries and the insurance carrier isn’t offering a large enough settlement. Proving fault as a passenger As a passenger, people usually don’t think you’re to blame for a crash. Still, you need to show that someone else was careless. It means proving that the driver of your car, or another driver, did something wrong, like following too close, speeding, or running a red light, to have caused the accident. It’s rare, but sometimes a passenger can be partly to blame for an accident, like if they grab the steering wheel. Even getting into a car, knowing the driver is impaired, could make it harder to get compensation. It can be a sensitive issue It can be awkward when the passenger sues a driver, claiming they were entirely at fault for your injuries. It’s important to remember that it is not about blame; it’s about getting help with the costs of your injuries from the driver’s insurance carrier. Lawyers who specialize in car accidents understand this and can help guide an injured passenger or their family through the process of obtaining fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Driving is a privilege in Maryland, and it’s that many people take for granted. When drivers don’t take the act of driving seriously and focus on their duty to do so safely, they put themselves and everyone around them in danger. A survey reported by the Maryland Department of Transportation found that 93% of respondents think unsafe driving is a major issue on the state’s roads. It’s critical for drivers to avoid these behaviors on all roads, especially those that are dubbed the deadliest in the state. What roads are the deadliest in Maryland? The deadliest road in the state is I-95, which has 19 fatalities and 17 crashes in 2020. That was followed by US-1, US-40, US-301, SR-295 and SR-5. Each of those roads had 10 or more fatalities that year. Part of the reason these roads are so unsafe is that they’re heavily traveled and have higher speed limits. The probability of a serious injury or death is much higher at higher speeds. In fact, for every 10 miles per hour (mph) over 50 mph a vehicle is traveling, the risk of serious injury or death doubles. What behaviors, besides speeding, contribute to these crashes? Distracted driving is a huge issue in Maryland. It’s a factor in more than one-third of fatal crashes in the state. While cellphone usage is by far the most commonly cited distraction and the only citable distracted driving offense, many other distractions like changing radio stations or using GPS, can also distract drivers. Impaired driving is another cause of fatal crashes in this state. More than 800 deaths in Maryland over a 5-year period could have been prevented if the driver had opted to avoid driving while impaired. People who suffer injuries and those who lose a loved one in crashes caused by negligent drivers may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages they’ve incurred. Maryland laws limit how long they have to file these claims, which is just one of the reasons why working with a legal representative who can assist them is generally wise.

Having your vehicle struck by another vehicle is a stressful situation. It’s one that becomes even more complicated if the person who strikes you flees the scene. The aftermath of a hit-and-run crash can be considerably challenging because you can’t seek compensation until you find out who struck you. The following are a few things that you may need to be aware of if you’re ever involved in a hit-and-run wreck. Immediate actions to take If a crash occurs, you and anyone in your vehicle should move somewhere safe unless there’s an indication of a serious injury. Contact the Police to have them respond to do a Report which you will need for your Insurer. Request an ambulance if there are any injuries. Because this was a hit-and-run crash, you should take the time to write any information that you can remember about the vehicle and driver that struck you. This includes the make, model, tag #, and any other identifying information you can think of. Another step to take is to get contact information for any witnesses that may have seen the crash. They may be able to provide valuable information that may help you with seeking compensation. Treatment for Injuries Many accidents cause injuries. If you are injured, whether “minor” or serious, you should get examined asap by a Hospital, Urgent Care type facility, or Personal Physician. Follow the treatment recommendations. If you are unable to work, be sure to get a Disability Slip from the Dr. or Medical Facility. Navigating insurance and legal steps Because the crash is a hit-and-run wreck, you should contact your insurance company to report the incident. In Maryland, your insurance policy will cover both property and personal injury damages, as Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is required on most vehicles. Police officers will conduct an investigation. If they find the person who struck you, it will be possible to seek compensation from the at-fault vehicle’s Insurer rather than your own Insurer under your UM coverage. Documenting everything related to the injuries, including medical care expenses and any other financial damages you have, is important because this will become a central point in your case against the at-fault driver. At the end of the day, what you’ll need to remember is that a legal representative can help gather the facts of your case and get your claim filed while you focus on healing. Your Legal Representative will then pursue the appropriate Insurer to obtain either a settlement or judgement in court to compensate you for your injuries and losses resulting from the accident.

In the bustling world of online shopping, warehouse workers are the unsung heroes ensuring that consumers receive their products swiftly. The rise of e-commerce has significantly increased the demand for these workers, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 1.8 million people worked in warehouses in 2023. With the rapid pace and high volume of goods moving through shipping warehouses, the risk of workplace injuries has surged. These environments, with their heavy machinery and constant activity at all hours, can be a hotbed for accidents if safety measures are not strictly followed. In fact, a 2023 study by the Center for Urban Economic Development at the University of Illinois Chicago found that half of all Amazon warehouse workers are injured if they work there for more than three years, and 69% have taken unpaid time off due to pain or exhaustion, half them doing so three or more times. Common Warehouse Injuries Injuries and their severity will vary, but these involve the more serious ones that can include long-term disability or death: Forklift Accidents: Forklifts are vital in warehouses but can be deadly. Workers may be struck by or trapped under these vehicles. Slips, Trips, and Falls:Wet floors or misplaced items often lead to these accidents, which can cause severe injuries like fractures or head trauma. Lifting Injuries:Improper lifting techniques can result in musculoskeletal disorders, including herniated discs and chronic back pain. Falling Objects:Improperly stored items can fall, potentially causing concussions or even fatal injuries to workers below. Loading Dock Incidents:Workers can fall from docks or be crushed between docks and vehicles, leading to serious injuries or death. Conveyor Belt Mishaps:Entanglement in a conveyor can cause crush injuries or amputations, particularly when safety guards are not in place. Repetitive Strain Injuries:Constant repetition of tasks can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, affecting nerves and muscles. NBC also recently broadcasted a profile of Amazon workers in California who are dealing with extreme heat during the summer months. Many warehouse workers also work second and third shifts, where fatigue can also play a greater role. These and other circumstantial factors likely contribute to the above causes of the injuries and the need to take unpaid time off. Post-Injury Steps to Take When a worker is injured on the job, reporting the injury and immediate medical attention are the first and foremost steps to be taken. Following initial treatment, understanding one’s rights and the subsequent legal steps is crucial, especially for workers facing long recovery periods (or families dealing with the aftermath of a fatal accident). Filing a Worker’s Compensation or personal injury claim is not just about seeking justice; it’s about securing the financial support needed for medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses during a challenging time. In Maryland, Worker’s Compensation is a vital safety net for those hurt on the job, and it’s important to file a claim promptly to better ensure coverage of these costs. How Worker’s Compensation Is Different Than Personal Injury Worker’s Compensation is an insurance program mandated by the state to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. This system is designed to help cover medical care, provide wage replacement benefits, and offer vocational rehabilitation if necessary. If there is a permanent injury from the accident or illness then an additional monetary award is made to the injured employee. For families of workers who have died due to a workplace accident, Worker’s Compensation can provide death benefits to help with financial burdens. The purpose of this program is to support injured workers and their families without the need for a lengthy legal battle over liability. Worker’s Compensation is typically a no-fault system, meaning employees need not prove the employer’s negligence to receive benefits and negligence on the part of the injured employee in causing the accident is not a bar to recovery. Benefits to the injured employee are often started quickly after a serious accident. Conversely, a personal injury claim is a legal process where an injured party seeks compensation from those responsible for their injuries due to negligence or intentional harm. Unlike Worker’s Comp, fault must be established, and the claim can result in compensation for pain, suffering, and other damages not covered by Worker’s Compensation. These benefits are paid, in most cases, months or years after the accident in a lump sum either by settlement or court judgement. Precautions that employers can take We’ve established that warehouses are dangerous places for employees. Still, there are several precautions that employers can take to reduce the risk of injuries: Provide proper training on equipment and tools. Implement strict safety protocols and procedures. Encourage regular breaks to prevent fatigue. Maintain a clean and organized work environment. Invest in ergonomic equipment. Conduct routine safety inspections. Promote open communication about safety concerns. Offer incentives for following safety guidelines. Provide access to personal protective equipment. Create a culture of safety awareness and accountability. By implementing these safety precautions, warehouse employers can create a safer work environment for their employees. Employers can also benefit by saving money on insurance costs and reducing disruptions to staff and production. Lawyers Can Be An Ally in Recovery A worker’s compensation attorney plays a critical role in helping injured workers navigate the complexities of filing a claim. From gathering the necessary documentation to representing clients in hearings, an attorney ensures that the injured party receives the maximum benefits they are entitled to. Services provided by these legal professionals include evaluating the claim’s validity, advising on the legal process, and fighting for the worker’s rights against insurance companies or employers who may attempt to deny a legitimate claim. Here in Maryland, warehouse workers and their families do not need to face the aftermath of a workplace injury alone. By partnering with a knowledgeable worker’s compensation attorney, they can focus on recovery and rehabilitation, knowing that someone is vigorously pursuing their legal and financial interests.

Every job comes with a degree of risk. From the potential of a machinery-induced injury in a manufacturing facility to the risk of violence in hospital settings, there are countless ways for employees to end up hurt on the job. Their injuries could prevent them from working and could lead to major medical expenses. Workers’ compensation benefits are available in certain scenarios. Employees in Maryland can file a claim when they have an injury directly related to the job that they perform or when they develop an occupational illness. The benefits available include full medical coverage that can pay for all of someone’s treatment costs and disability benefits to replace a portion of the income someone can’t earn due to their medical challenges. Not all workers who qualify file claims Many people are unsure of the rules that govern workers’ compensation claims. They may, therefore, worry that if they seek benefits when they should not, they might alienate their coworkers or endanger their professional future. As a result, many potentially qualified employees never pursue workers’ compensation benefits. One of the common explanations given for not seeking benefits is that the employee recognizes they are at least partially at fault for their injuries. Those people may not understand how workers’ compensation actually functions. Fault is not a major concern in most cases A worker’s inadvertence or negligence that contributes to an accident does not bar the worker from receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits. Exposure to workplace conditions directly contributing to onset of an occupational disease is covered by Workers’ Compensation. Every employer in the State of Md. is required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, with few exceptions. Benefits for which an injured worker is entitled includes medical, wage loss, and compensation for a resulting permanent injury. Unfortunately, these benefits are not paid automatically, as the Insurers often reject even obvious compensable claims, hoping the injured worker will be frustrated enough to give up pursuing his/her claim. Seeking personalized legal guidance is a good way to get started in the pursuit of the benefits provided by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation statute.

Many people fear the idea of filing large insurance claims after a crash. They may have heard horror stories about insurance adjusters denying reasonable claims or dragging out the claims process for months. People worry about not having access to the coverage that they require to pay for medical bills or repair their vehicles. If a representative of the insurance company responds quickly and offers a settlement, people might eagerly accept. They need funds as soon as possible, and a settlement often means getting a check or a bank deposit within days. People may fail to handle settlement offers with the skepticism they truly require because they assume the insurance company made the offer with their best interests at heart. What those involved in car crashes often fail to understand is that the insurance company wants them to accept a settlement quickly for its own protection. Insurance companies do not pay claims on an ongoing piecemeal basis. They usually make one offer of a lump sum to cover all damages, both known and unknown, in a claim. An insurance company makes money by paying the least amount of money it can on any claim. The quicker they settle a claim the quicker they are no longer responsible for an injured person’s injuries and damages. Once settled, the claim is finished forever, regardless of any other expenses the injured person incurred whether past, present or future. Settlements typically end insurance company liability Insurance companies usually try to minimize how much they pay out on sizable claims whenever possible. Someone with a large claim after a car crash can continue submitting individual bills, estimate of future causally related bills, and wage loss along with an estimated value of pain and suffering until the compensation they claim reaches the policy limits for the driver at fault for the crash. Policy limits represents an absolute maximum value an insurance company will pay on any claim, . Most settlements fall far below the applicable policy limits. .However, on a serious injury claim, the insurance company will try to settle the claim for as little as possible to save money on the claim. The insurance company seeks to end liability by arranging a settlement. Someone who signs a settlement agreement, release, or cashes a settlement check typically absolves the insurance company of future financial responsibility. They will not be able to get additional compensation even though they have major expenses. People should be very cautious when evaluating settlement offers. If an offer is well below policy limits and the injured person has suffered a significant permanent injury, they may need to look carefully at their bills and expenses, both past and future, along with any permanent injury including pain and suffering. A settlement offer by an insurance company is a negotiable offer. If the injured person is not satisfied with the insurance company’s final offer they need not accept it and should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Teenage driving accidents are a pressing concern in Maryland. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is essential for parents, educators, policymakers and teen motorists alike, as this knowledge can help to inform safer driving practices and lead to lower crash rates among this particularly vulnerable group of drivers. Perhaps most obviously, one of the primary factors contributing to teenage driving accidents is simply a lack of experience. Young drivers may not have fully developed the skills necessary to navigate complex traffic situations, respond to unexpected hazards or make quick decisions on the road. This inexperience can be particularly dangerous in an urban environment like Baltimore or Metro D.C., where congested roads and unpredictable driving conditions are common. Yet, this is not the only concern driving high accident rates among Maryland teens. And, hopefully, other contributing factors are more preventable and more easily addressed than inexperience. Distracted driving Today’s teenagers are the first generation to grow up with smartphones, and the temptation to use these devices while driving is a significant risk factor. Texting, browsing social media or even using navigation apps can divert a young driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents. Distracted driving is not limited to smartphone use; loud music, conversations with passengers and other in-car distractions can also impair a teenager’s ability to focus on safe driving. Speeding and reckless driving The thrill of speed and a sense of invincibility can lead some teenagers to engage in speeding and reckless driving. These behaviors dramatically increase the risk of accidents by reducing a driver’s ability to react to road conditions and increasing the severity of crashes when they occur. Speeding in Maryland’s’ varied urban and suburban landscapes can be particularly hazardous, given the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles. Driving under the influence Despite widespread awareness campaigns and strict legal penalties, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a leading cause of teenage driving accidents. Substance use impairs judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, making it extremely dangerous for affected teenagers to be behind the wheel. To mitigate these risks, teenagers need to receive comprehensive driver education that goes beyond basic driving skills to address the specific challenges and responsibilities of driving in Baltimore and D.,C. Metro areas. Parents can work to set good examples, enforce rules about phone use, address substance use concerns and limit the number of passengers with new drivers. Not only can safe driving practices better ensure that teens reach their destinations without incident, but they can also mitigate the risk that a teen will be found liable for a crash if one does occur.

Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many teenagers. It’s a transition point that marks a teenager’s newfound independence and growing responsibilities. To ensure the safety of both teen drivers and everybody else on the road, Maryland has implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, or the “Rookie Driver” program. Teens have to be 18 or older to get a full license, but they can start driving earlier The GDL is basically an effort by the state to make sure that new drivers get the experience they need to be good drivers while still managing the risk that they’ll end up in an accident. With that in mind, teens can acquire their license in stages. Learner’s Permit Once a teen is 15 years and nine months of age, they can apply for a Learner’s Permit (although they have to wait until they’re 16 if they don’t have a Learner’s Permit School Attendance Certification) with parental consent. Plus: · They must have a qualified supervising driver with them at all times · The supervising driver must complete a Practice Log showing the teen’s time behind the wheel A teen under 18 years of age (or 18 without a high school diploma or equivalent ) cannot proceed to the next step in the process for a minimum of nine months, while teens 18 and older may be able to move on in three months. Provisional License Once a teen is a minimum of 16 years and six months of age, they become eligible for a Provisional License. To obtain this, they must: · Complete 60 hours of supervised driving, 10 of those at night · Complete 30 hours of classwork in a driver’s education course, and an additional six hours behind the wheel The Provisional License only permits the driver to be behind the wheel without supervision during certain hours and it puts restrictions on their ability to have passengers. It also comes with additional responsibilities when it comes to seat belt use and unique prohibitions against the use of cellular devices. It’s important to note that traffic violations and violations of the restrictions on either a Learner’s Permit or a Provisional License can lead to a mandatory driver improvement program, a suspended license and an additional wait before a full driver’s license is granted. It’s also vital to realize that even though the GDL program helps manage risks, it cannot eliminate them. If you or your teen is involved in a crash, it’s wise to get experienced legal counsel to explain any options and defend the teen in court, if necessary.

People can get hurt on the job due to a variety of different situations. They could work with dangerous chemicals or heavy equipment. They might have to drive as part of their daily job responsibilities. They could be at risk of over-exertion or repetitive stress. Sometimes, job injuries are the result of another person’s actions. Violence in the workplace can affect people in many different professions. Someone in customer service could end up injured during an attempted robbery or shoplifting incident. Someone working in law enforcement or security accepts the degree of violence as one of the unique safety concerns with their profession. Yet, people in almost any job could be at risk of violence in the workplace. Who pays for the injuries and other losses generated in a violent incident? Workers’ compensation often helps People sometimes assume that workers’ compensation doesn’t apply in a scenario where an outside party is to blame for a workplace injury. That belief represents a misunderstanding of how Maryland workers’ compensation functions. A worker does not need to prove that their employer was at fault for an incident, nor do they need to establish that they did not contribute to it. Maryland workers’ compensation provides no-fault coverage. The employer does not need to be to blame for an incident for a worker to be eligible for benefits. Workers’ compensation can cover the cost of medical care after someone’s injury and potentially also the loss of their wages if they require a leave of absence during their recovery. If the worker suffers a permanent injury, either physical, mental or both, they may be entitled to permanent disability benefits, as well. The violent party may also have liability In scenarios in which police officers arrest a criminal or someone can identify their assailant, they may have the option of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against someone who assaulted them or harmed them during the commission of a crime. However, such lawsuits do not necessarily guarantee compensation, as someone convicted of a significant criminal offense, in most cases, does not have the money or other property from which a judgement can be collected. Oftentimes, those seeking justice for an on-the-job injury need to consider every option potentially available to them to maximize the reimbursement that they can receive. Making sense of the unique rules for workers’ compensation coverage may benefit those injured in an incident involving workplace violence.

Many workers who may require benefits for a job injury are nervous about applying for them. Most companies in Maryland must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Whenever workers develop job-acquired medical conditions, they can file a claim for benefits that could replace their lost wages and pay for their medical care. Of course, employers facing large claims sometimes push back, possibly out of concern that the claim could affect what they pay for coverage in the future. Workers may worry about a contested claim, especially if they think their personal habits could lead to increased scrutiny from their employer. For example, a worker who regularly drinks or uses recreational drugs may feel like they can’t even report an incident on the job because of the possibility of drug and alcohol testing. Does Maryland allow companies to test workers for drugs and alcohol after an injury on the job? Drug testing is a common practice after injuries Drug tests administered after a work injury are so common that many employers treat them as standard practice. The law in Maryland does allow employers to require drug testing after an incident on the job. Companies can even engage in randomized testing of workers without any precipitating incidents in many cases. Employers that maintain drug-free workplaces may have an easier time limiting the number of incidents that occur and deterring misconduct by employees. They can save money on insurance premiums too in many cases. Companies therefore choose to establish and enforce drug-free workplace policies. Workers should know that failing a drug test does not automatically prevent them from getting benefits. Instead, the test may “simply” complicate the claims process. Employers would need to prove that the worker was under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job and that their chemical impairment directly contributed to the incident that left them hurt. Particularly if someone only had a residual trace of drugs in their system after a long weekend, a failed drug test does not necessarily mean they become ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Understanding the rules for injury-related drug testing during workers’ compensation claims, and seeking legal guidance accordingly, may benefit those who have been hurt on the job and are worried about their finances.

Texting and driving is certainly one of the top forms of distracted driving. If you ask someone for examples of dangerous driver distractions, it’s probably the first one they will give. But it is certainly not the only one. Distracted driving goes far beyond just texting. It’s critical for drivers to understand how common distraction is so that they can work to remain as safe as possible when traveling. 12 examples of driver distraction To help show how distraction happens and how dangerous it is, here are some common examples of distracted driving: Using a phone: One of the most dangerous forms of distraction is using a mobile phone even when not texting. Distractions include calling, browsing the internet, taking pictures or using apps while driving. Eating and/or drinking: Skip the drive-thru! Handling food and beverages – even nonalcoholic beverages – while driving can take a driver’s hands off the wheel and their attention off the road. Adjusting controls: Adjusting the radio, GPS, climate controls or other settings inside the vehicle can distract a driver visually, manually and cognitively. Grooming: Fixing hair, applying makeup or other personal grooming activities while driving can significantly distract a driver’s attention. Talking to passengers: Drivers are most distracted when they also turn to talk to those passengers, and parents are often distracted by children in the car. Reading: Reading maps, books or other materials while driving can take eyes off the road for an extended period, causing potential hazards. Watching videos: Watching videos on a mobile device, dashboard screen or any other device while driving is extremely dangerous. Daydreaming: Allowing the mind to wander or getting lost in thought can lead to cognitive distraction, impairing the driver’s ability to react to potential hazards. Handling pets: Driving with unrestrained pets or trying to manage pets’ behavior while driving can cause distractions. Using In-Car Technology: Operating complex in-car systems or touchscreens can distract drivers from the primary task of driving. Rubbernecking: Slowing down to look at accidents, scenery or anything else on or off the road can divert a driver’s attention. External factors: External distractions such as looking at billboards, roadside events or being distracted by other activities happening outside the vehicle can also cause accidents. It’s important for drivers to focus on safety and avoid these distracting activities. With that said, even if you drive safely, you could be seriously injured by another distracted driver. If so, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs. As a result, connecting with a skilled attorney sooner rather than later is wise under such circumstances.