New Maryland Laws Pertain to Auto Accidents
On October 1, a group of new laws in Maryland came into effect as a result of the work of the state’s General Assembly. While the laws do in fact address a number of different issues, several of them specifically pertain to drivers and new rules for the road that will affect Marylanders from here on out. Read on to find out more about the new driving laws in Maryland and what they could mean for those involved in auto accidents.
New Maryland Laws: Jake’s Law and Auto Accident Prevention
One of the laws gaining a lot of attention is Jake’s Law, named after a young boy who was killed in an auto accident involving a distracted driver. The law, effective October 1 of this year, creates new consequences for drivers who cause an auto accident that results in injury or death while talking or texting on their handheld cell phones. Distracted driving involving cell phones is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents, and so Jake’s Law endeavors to discourage this behavior and to keep Maryland roadways safer. Drivers who are responsible for these types of accidents can face up to a one-year prison term, as well as a $5,000 fine. If you are involved in an auto accident in which the other driver was distracted while talking or texting on a handheld cell phone, your attorney can help you understand the terms of Jake’s Law, as well as help you to get the compensation and care you deserve in the aftermath of an accident.
Expansion of the Move-Over Law in Maryland
In addition to Jake’s Law, another driving law will be affecting Marylanders on the road. In 2010, the state passed the “Move-Over Law,” which requires that drivers move their vehicles (if safe to do so) into the next lane of traffic to allow emergency vehicles to pass by quickly on their way to the scene of an accident. The law effective on October 1 expands this measure to include tow trucks in the list of vehicles that drivers must make way for. Tow trucks going to attend to auto accidents need to be able to access the scene quickly to remove traffic obstructions, and so the new law’s goal is to ensure that they can. It is important, however, to note that drivers should only merge into the next lane if they themselves have a clear path to do so- otherwise, this could be the cause of yet another auto accident.
Do you have questions regarding an auto accident case? Call Jenkins Block & Associates today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
We have four offices across Maryland and Virginia with trained legal professionals ready to assist you. Please CALL US at 1-800-243-2439 to be directed to the closest Jenkins Block & Associates location to you.
Source:
New laws Oct. 1 will affect drivers, wilderness, funeral operators and transgender Marylanders