Every day, pedestrians rely on crosswalks to safely navigate busy streets and intersections. Yet despite laws designed to protect them, pedestrian accidents—especially in crosswalks—remain alarmingly common. If you or a loved one was hit by a vehicle while using a crosswalk, you may be facing serious injuries, costly medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. The experienced attorneys at McGowan & Cecil, LLC are here to help.
From Laurel to Bowie to communities across Prince George’s County and beyond, we represent injured pedestrians throughout Maryland in pursuing full and fair compensation after a crosswalk accident.
Understanding Crosswalk Accidents
Crosswalk accidents occur when a motorist fails to yield the right of way to a pedestrian, often due to negligence. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, etc.)
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs
- Driving under the influence
- Poor visibility or failure to look for pedestrians
Even at low speeds, pedestrian impacts can cause catastrophic injuries. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians have no protection and are often thrown or dragged upon impact.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Crosswalk accidents frequently lead to severe, life-altering injuries. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Road rash and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain
Victims often require emergency medical care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Some injuries can result in permanent disability or impairment.
What Are Your Rights as a Pedestrian in Maryland?
In Maryland, pedestrians generally have the right-of-way when crossing in a marked crosswalk or at an intersection. State law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians who are legally crossing the street. When a driver fails to uphold this duty, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries.
However, Maryland also follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if the pedestrian is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it especially important to have a skilled attorney on your side who can carefully build your case and protect your rights.
How McGowan & Cecil, LLC Can Help
Our team understands how devastating a pedestrian accident can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our services include:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports
- Working with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Litigating in court if a satisfactory resolution can’t be reached
We are aggressive advocates for injury victims, and we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies that try to minimize or deny valid claims.
Compensation Available in Crosswalk Accident Claims
If you were injured in a crosswalk accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term care needs or disability accommodations
Every case is unique, and the amount you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and other factors.
Why Choose McGowan & Cecil, LLC?
With over 120 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have helped countless injury victims across Maryland recover meaningful compensation. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- Personalized legal guidance: We take time to understand your situation and tailor a strategy to your needs.
- Proven results: We’ve recovered millions for our clients through settlements and verdicts.
- No fees unless we win: You owe us nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
- Local experience: Our firm proudly serves clients across Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding areas.
Talk to a Crosswalk Accident Attorney Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a pedestrian accident alone. Whether you were hit in a busy Laurel intersection or in a neighborhood crosswalk, McGowan & Cecil, LLC is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.