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Pedestrian accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road. Without the protection of a vehicle, even a low-speed collision can lead to life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, these accidents happen far too often across Maryland, leaving victims facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you may be entitled to compensation, but recovering it isn’t always straightforward. This blog discusses pedestrian accidents in Maryland and how to obtain compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident.
Pedestrian Accidents Are Common in Maryland
From Laurel to Baltimore, pedestrian accidents occur in a wide range of settings. Many happen at crosswalks, in parking lots, or along roads without sidewalks. Factors like distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield are frequently involved.
Under Maryland law, drivers are required to exercise caution when approaching pedestrians, especially in marked crosswalks or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. But even with these rules in place, hundreds of pedestrians are seriously injured every year due to driver negligence.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries can require weeks, months, or even years of medical care and rehabilitation. Pedestrians are also at risk of fatal injuries, regardless of the driver’s speed.
Who May Be Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?
In most pedestrian accident cases, the driver of the vehicle is the primary liable party. Common forms of driver negligence include:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to stop at a crosswalk or traffic signal
However, liability isn’t always that simple. In some cases, more than one party may share responsibility. For example:
- A government entity might be liable for poor road design or missing signage.
- A delivery company could be responsible if the driver were on the clock.
- A property owner might be at fault if dangerous conditions contributed to the incident.
It’s also important to note that Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. This means that if the pedestrian is found even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation, which makes having experienced legal representation essential.
Types of Compensation Available to Injured Pedestrians
A pedestrian accident can result in significant financial strain. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care
- Lost income, including missed work and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering, both physical pain and emotional hardship
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In fatal pedestrian accidents, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional loss.
Each case is unique, and the value of your claim depends on the nature of your injuries and how they’ve affected your life.
What You Need to Prove to Recover Compensation
To recover compensation in a pedestrian accident case, you’ll need to show that the driver—or another party—was legally responsible for the incident. This involves proving:
- Negligence: The driver failed to act with reasonable care
- Causation: That negligence directly caused your injuries
- Damages: You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result
Evidence that can help support your claim includes:
- Police accident reports
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Photos or videos from the scene
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
Delays in treatment or gaps in evidence can make it harder to prove your case. That’s why acting quickly after an accident is so important.
How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were hit by a car in Maryland, McGowan & Cecil is here to help. Trust our team to handle all the details, including:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Collecting and preserving critical evidence
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Handling communication with insurers\
- Calculating the full value of your losses
- Navigating Maryland’s contributory negligence rule
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of obtaining just compensation. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation.