Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland: Know The Risks And Your Rights as a Victim
As spring brings more sunshine and pleasant weather to our area, you are likely to see more people walking around. Walking can be fun and provides excellent physical fitness but use caution when navigating busy streets or walking through public parking. Pedestrian accidents in Maryland are common at this time of year and can cause potentially devastating personal injuries.
Sadly, these crashes are often preventable but for the reckless and dangerous behavior of motorists. Our Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys help local clients in these cases, providing trusted legal guidance through the process of filing a claim. We explain more about your rights as a pedestrian accident victim and how to get the compensation you need to recover.
How Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland Happen
Pedestrian accidents in Maryland pose serious risks to residents. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, nearly 3,000 motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians happen each year. With little to protect them, injuries suffered by victims are often severe and life-threatening.
Sadly, many of these accidents could have been prevented but for the reckless and negligent behavior of drivers. Among the most common causes of Maryland pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Distracted driving, especially talking on cell phones and texting behind the wheel;
- Not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks or failing to come to a complete stop at intersections;
- Speeding through school zones, near public parks, or in residential areas;
- Drunk or impaired driving.
Overcoming Challenges: How To Build A Strong Maryland Pedestrian Accident Claim
Even when a driver is clearly at fault, victims of pedestrian accidents in Maryland are likely to face an uphill battle when it comes to seeking compensation. Insurance companies look for ways to deny payment, and Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule.
What this means is that you can be denied compensation for pedestrian accident injuries in Maryland if the at-fault driver and their insurer can prove you are even one percent at fault. To overcome this and other common challenges in pedestrian accident claims, such as downplaying your injuries, you need to build a strong case. The best way to do this is through gathering evidence:
- Police reports documenting the accident and any statements from the driver;
- Statements from witnesses and others at the scene of the accident;
- Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses and dash cam recordings from vehicles;
- Medical records documenting your injuries and confirming the severity and your prognosis for recovery;
- Testimony from medical specialists and accident reconstruction experts.
Getting professional legal representation is crucial in Maryland pedestrian accident cases and helps in getting what you are legally entitled to in your claim.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims suffering devastating injuries. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we protect your rights, gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. For trusted, experienced legal representation, call or contact our Maryland pedestrian accident lawyers online. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
zerodeathsmd.gov/news/pedestrian-crash-statistics-2022/
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-502
