Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland: How Victims Can Still Fight for Compensation
Pedestrian accidents in Maryland can cause devastating injuries. When the driver flees the scene, it makes a bad situation even worse.
Leaving the scene of a pedestrian crash delays treatment for victims, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening harm. It also makes it harder for them to get the compensation they need to recover. Our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys explain the common types of injuries that can occur in these crashes and your options for filing a claim.
Injuries Due to Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users and have no protection in the event of motor vehicle accidents. When a crash happens, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. When the at-fault motorist leaves the scene, the consequences can be deadly.
According to the state Highway Safety Office, nearly 150 people are killed in pedestrian accidents in Maryland each year. In hit-and-run crashes, failure to report the crash, which delays medical care, increases the risks. Common types of pedestrian accident injuries that could prove fatal include:
- Crushing injuries, causing harm to internal organs.
- Severe lacerations, resulting in major blood loss.
- Traumatic brain injuries, a leading cause of death in these crashes.
- Injuries involving the spinal cord or column.
- Multiple and severe fractures.
Under Maryland Transportation Article Section 20-102, leaving an accident scene involving injury is a serious offense. In addition to facing prosecution on criminal charges and a potentially lengthy jail sentence, hit-and-run drivers can also be held personally liable in a pedestrian accident claim.
How To Get Compensation for Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident Injuries in Maryland
When a driver leaves the scene of a pedestrian accident in Maryland, it not only prevents victims from getting needed medical care but also makes it more difficult to get compensation for their losses. Fortunately, there are several options available.
In some cases, your own auto insurance may cover your costs. Maryland law requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on all policies, which can apply to hit-and-run cases even when the driver is never found. You may also be able to hold the driver liable by filing a personal injury lawsuit in the local court.
However, filing a lawsuit requires identifying the driver. Ways our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorney can help:
- Working with law enforcement and conducting our own investigations.
- Interviewing witnesses and others at the scene.
- Reviewing video surveillance footage to identify the vehicle.
Maryland hit-and-run pedestrian accidents can cause injuries that impact you and your family for years to come. To protect your rights to compensation, get professional legal help today.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Hit and run pedestrian accidents in Maryland can leave you with devastating injuries and no clear path to compensation. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we investigate these cases, work to identify the driver, and help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/news/pedestrian-crash-statistics-2022/
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=20-104&enactments=false
insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Documents/agencyhearings/Understanding-Enhanced-Underinsured-Motorist-Coverage-effective-7.1.2024.pdf
