When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the outcome is often devastating. The injuries can be life-altering, and the path to recovery is rarely quick or easy. Medical bills can pile up fast, and lost income can leave families struggling to stay afloat. If this has happened to you or someone you love, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help injured pedestrians in Laurel and throughout Maryland get the support and compensation they need to move forward. We’ll investigate what happened, stand up to insurance companies, and fight to recover what you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Maryland
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. When drivers act carelessly, the consequences can be catastrophic. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Maryland include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks or intersections
- Speeding through residential neighborhoods or school zones
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Poor visibility due to low lighting or bad weather
Even if there was no marked crosswalk, Maryland law recognizes “de facto crosswalks.” That means you may still have the right of way, even if the street wasn’t clearly marked. We’ll review the facts and determine how the law applies to your case.
Types of Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
A pedestrian hit by a vehicle may face long hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and a long time away from work. Some may never fully recover. When we take your case, we’ll work to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal toll the accident has taken.
You may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses—past, current, and future
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care or rehabilitation services
We often work with doctors, therapists, and life-care planners to understand the full picture of what you need to recover—not just now, but in the years ahead.
Time Limits to File an Auto-Pedestrian Accident Claim
Maryland has a time limit, or statute of limitations, on filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
That may seem like a long time, but building a strong case takes work. Witnesses can be hard to find, and evidence may fade with time. Reaching out sooner gives us more time to gather information and protect your rights. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the time window, give us a call—we’ll walk you through your options.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Laurel
If you’ve been hit by a car in Laurel, taking the right steps early on can make a big difference. We understand that you may be overwhelmed, but if you’re able, here’s what can help:
- Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor
- File a police report
- Collect names and contact information for any witnesses
- Take photos of the scene if possible
- Don’t speak to the driver’s insurance company without legal help
If you weren’t able to gather this information at the time of the accident, don’t worry. We’ll conduct a full investigation and collect the evidence needed to support your claim.
A Local Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Compensation
Working with a local attorney who understands how Laurel’s courts and Maryland’s laws operate can make a real difference in your case. At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we’ve represented many pedestrians who were injured in serious crashes. We know the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying full value, and we don’t back down.
Our team is committed to helping you recover every dollar you deserve. Whether your case can be resolved through a settlement or requires going to trial, we’ll be with you from start to finish. Our focus is always on your recovery—both physical and financial.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Laurel or anywhere in Maryland, don’t wait to get legal help. McGowan & Cecil, LLC offers free consultations, and you won’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. We’re ready to help you take the next step. Contact us today to talk with a pedestrian accident lawyer who will take your case seriously and fight to protect your future.