Maryland School Zone Pedestrian Accidents: Who Is Liable When a Child Is Hurt?
School zones are meant to be safe. But every fall, as students head back to class, Maryland sees a spike in child pedestrian accidents near schools.
The start of the school year brings heavier traffic, distracted drivers, and children crossing streets during busy pick-up and drop-off hours. Even with crossing guards, flashing signs, and lower speed limits, serious accidents still happen, and parents are often left wondering who is legally responsible.
Our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys explain more about the risks children face and your rights in seeking compensation for the injuries they suffer due to school zone accidents.
Maryland School Zone Accidents: Negligence Often Responsible
There are strict laws geared towards protecting children in school zones throughout the state. Under the Maryland Transportation Code, there are lower speed limits in school zones (particularly at times when students are most likely to be walking) and penalties for traffic violations are significantly higher than with other tickets. Local governments also implement flashing beacons, signage, and increased patrols to improve student safety. Unfortunately, despite these precautions, school zone pedestrian accidents in Maryland continue to be a common problem.
The Maryland Department of Transportation reports that speeding is one of the most common causes. Other factors that increase school zone pedestrian accident risks include:
- Drivers ignoring school zone speed limits or crosswalks;
- Cars illegally parked near entrances, blocking visibility;
- Children running between buses or crossing outside of marked areas;
- Inadequate signage or poorly enforced school zone laws;
- Unsafe drop-off and pick-up traffic patterns.
When dangerous conditions and reckless driving cause school-zone accidents, students often suffer serious harm, including broken bones, head, back, or neck injuries, and long-term emotional trauma.
Legal Options When a Child Is Injured in a Maryland School Zone Accident
When children get injured in school zone pedestrian accidents in Maryland due to the negligence of others, parents have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses and other costs.
Maryland’s personal injury laws account for the fact that children are more vulnerable and less able to assess danger. Liability can fall on:
- Reckless drivers;
- School bus operators;
- School staff members;
- Local municipalities that failed to enforce or maintain safety standards.
Current and future medical costs arising from your child’s injuries may be covered, along with pain and suffering.
Speak With Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
School zone accidents involving children in Maryland tend to happen due to dangerous conditions and reckless drivers. When others fail to protect your child, we help you seek justice and the compensation your family needs to recover.
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we have the experience and skill needed to handle even the most complex school zone accident cases. Call or contact our office online today to protect your rights. Schedule a consultation to speak with our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys.
Sources:
marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/DBS/Transportation/MDAnnotatedCode_.pdf
roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=814
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=5-101
