Pedestrian Crosswalk Accidents in Maryland: Know The Risks and Your Rights to Compensation
Pedestrian accidents in Maryland are common and can cause potentially life-threatening harm. While crosswalks help protect public safety, they are among the most common places where injuries happen.
Whether you walk for your health, as part of your commute, or while running errands, be aware of the risks. Our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys explain how these accidents often happen, the devastating harm they can cause, and your rights in seeking compensation.
The Risk of Pedestrian Crosswalk Accidents in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Transportation reports that more than 100 residents are killed each year due to pedestrian accidents throughout the state, while thousands of others suffer severe injuries. Unfortunately, one of the most common places they happen is in crosswalks.
While crosswalks are designed to help pedestrians cross busy intersections, the reckless behavior of motorists increases the risk. Common causes of severe and potentially life-threatening pedestrian crosswalk accident injuries in Maryland include:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks.
- Speeding through intersections or ignoring school zones.
- Left-hand turns without checking for people crossing.
- Texting, eating, adjusting navigation apps, or other types of distracted driving.
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Pedestrian crosswalk accidents in Maryland tend to spike during the fall and winter, when decreased daylight and adverse weather increase the risks. Children and older adults are among the most common victims.
Maryland Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident Injuries and Your Rights in a Claim
Pedestrians are no match for motor vehicles. When a car strikes a pedestrian while walking in a crosswalk or other areas, the results can be catastrophic. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that common types of pedestrian accident injuries in Maryland include:
- Broken bones and multiple complex fractures.
- Severe lacerations, resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Fractured vertebrae and spinal cord injuries.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage.
- Emotional trauma and PTSD, which can last long after the accident.
Under Maryland law, you can hold at-fault drivers accountable for the harm you suffer. Compensation available in a Maryland pedestrian accident claim includes payment of your medical bills, reimbursement for lost income, and pain and suffering.
However, the state’s contributory negligence rule can create problems in these cases. It means that if you in any way contributed to the crash, you may be barred from recovery.
To Get The Compensation You Need To Recover, Contact Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Pedestrian crosswalk accidents in Maryland are common and can cause devastating injuries. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we protect victims and their loved ones throughout the state, helping them get the compensation they need to recover.
Our legal team understands the challenges victims and families face after these crashes and knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable. For trusted legal help filing a claim, contact our experienced Maryland pedestrian accident attorneys and request a consultation today.
Sources:
roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/index.aspx?PageId=376
johnshopkinshealthcare.staywellsolutionsonline.com/YourFamily/Women/Tools/90,P02988
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=11-109
