Pedestrian accidents in Maryland can lead to catastrophic injuries, especially when negligent drivers fail to adhere to traffic laws, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, or drive in a safe and reasonable manner. Though many pedestrians take precautions like using sidewalks, looking both ways before crossing, and only crossing at crosswalks, pedestrian accidents still occur. These accidents are often severe, resulting in medical bills, lost wages, and long-lasting pain. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more about Maryland pedestrian accidents.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Pedestrian accidents in Baltimore are among the most severe types of motor vehicle collisions, as pedestrians have little to no physical protection against the force of the impact. While cars have metal framing that can absorb some of the impact, pedestrians take the brunt themselves, and often suffer a secondary impact when they hit the ground as a result of the fall.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in Baltimore County, including communities like Towson, Pikesville, and Hampton, often occur in heavily trafficked areas like downtowns, intersections, parking lots, and inadequately lit roadways.
Even when pedestrians use sidewalks and crosswalks properly, negligent driving behaviors can still cause devastating injuries.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Often Severe
- Pedestrians have no airbags, seatbelts, or structural protection
- Victims can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries
- Children and older adults are especially vulnerable
- High-speed collisions considerably increase fatality risks
- Nighttime pedestrian accidents may result in more severe injuries
Common Locations for Maryland Pedestrian Accidents
- Parking lots
- School zones
- Busy intersections in Towson and throughout Baltimore County
- Crosswalks near shopping centers
- Major roadways like Belair Road, Loch Raven Boulevard, and York Road
- Poorly lit intersections
- Residential neighborhoods
Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be caused by any number of factors, but the most common causes include driver negligence, poor visibility, and failure to adhere to traffic laws.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Pedestrians
- Speeding drivers
- Distracted, reckless, or careless drivers
- Drivers who fail to turn on their headlights at night
- Drivers who fail to abide by crosswalks, stop signs, red lights, or yield signs
- Intoxicated drivers
- Obstructed visibility on the roads makes it hard to see people walking
- Pedestrians who fail to use the crosswalk
- Pedestrians who use the crosswalk, but not when the light signals that it is safe for them to cross
- Inadequate lighting
- Poorly marked crosswalks
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Walking near roadways at night without visibility aids
- Heavy rain or fog
Maryland Pedestrian Accident Laws and Negligence
Maryland, unlike the majority of states, adheres to a contributory negligence doctrine. This essentially means that, in accordance with Maryland law, a victim is barred from recovering compensation for damages if they are found to have contributed in any capacity to the accident.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame to pedestrians to avoid financial liability, documenting the accident scene is critical to protecting your legal rights.
Common Issues in Maryland Pedestrian Accident Claims
- If the pedestrian was inside a crosswalk
- If traffic signals were obeyed
- If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent
- If poor visibility contributed to the collision
- If surveillance footage captured the accident
- If alcohol or drug impairment was involved
- If witness testimony supports the victim’s account of the accident
Can I Recover Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?
In some cases, you will be eligible to recover compensation. In order to do so, you will have to prove that some sort of negligence occurred to cause your accident.
If you are eligible to recover compensation, you may be entitled to either or both economic or non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- The cost of rehabilitation
- In-home care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Contact Our Experienced Towson Injury Firm
If you have sustained injuries while walking due to the negligent actions of a driver, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced Baltimore County personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate and the impact they can have not only on your personal life but your finances as well, which is why we are committed to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how our firm can represent you.