Prince George’s County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Walking through Prince George’s County should be safe, whether you are crossing near the University of Maryland campus, stepping through a marked crosswalk in Bowie, or making your way home from the Metro after a long day at work. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents continue to be a growing concern in many areas throughout Maryland, and the injuries that result are often life-changing. When a negligent driver fails to pay attention or ignores traffic laws, a pedestrian is left completely vulnerable. If this has happened to you or someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Prince George’s County pedestrian accident lawyers here at Miller Berman for a free consultation today. Our Maryland personal injury lawyers are here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents rarely happen without a clear cause. In many situations, a driver’s negligence directly contributes to the collision, although roadway design and other environmental factors can also play a role. That said, some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents that we see are as follows:

• Distracted driving, including texting or using a mobile device while driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections
• Drivers ignoring traffic lights or stop signs
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use
• Left turns made without checking for pedestrians in crosswalks
• Drivers backing up without looking behind them
• Poor visibility caused by nighttime driving or insufficient street lighting
• Road design that makes intersections or pedestrian crossings unsafe
• Weather conditions that reduce visibility or increase stopping distance

What Types of Injuries Result from Pedestrian Accidents?

Since pedestrians have virtually no physical protection, injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents are often far more severe than those seen in most other types of motor vehicle collisions. Even at low speeds, the force of a vehicle striking a person can result in long-lasting injuries that may require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, or surgery. Some of the most common injuries associated with pedestrian accidents are as follows:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations and road rash
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

In many cases, accident victims require months or years of treatment, and some may never fully recover, which is why it is so important to pursue financial compensation that reflects not just your initial medical bills but also your long-term needs, pain and suffering, and any permanent changes to your quality of life.

What Maryland Laws Protect Pedestrians?

Maryland has several laws designed specifically to protect pedestrians, and these laws are primarily found in Title 21 of the Maryland Transportation Code. These rules outline when drivers must yield, how pedestrians may use crosswalks, and what both drivers and pedestrians must do to avoid accidents. In many cases, if a driver violates one of these traffic laws and strikes a pedestrian, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence. Some of the most important pedestrian laws include the following:

• Drivers must stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks
• Pedestrians generally have the right of way when traffic signals indicate it is safe to cross
• Drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians
• Drivers must yield when making turns across crosswalks
• Pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop
• Pedestrians should use crosswalks at intersections when available
• Both drivers and pedestrians must follow traffic signals and control devices

What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you have been struck by a vehicle, you are most likely dealing with pain, shock, confusion, and fear, which is completely understandable, but it is also true that the steps you take immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover compensation. That is why you should make every effort to take the following steps after your accident:

1. Call 911 and request medical attention.
2. Seek immediate medical treatment, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first.
3. Ask law enforcement to document the accident in an official police report.
4. Gather the contact information of the driver and any witnesses.
5. Take photographs of the accident scene, including crosswalks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
6. Avoid discussing fault with the driver or the insurance company.
7. Keep detailed records of medical bills, treatment, and missed work.
8. Contact our Prince George’s County pedestrian accident lawyers who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Fortunately for injured pedestrians, the law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. These losses can include medical expenses, both current and future, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, long-term rehabilitation costs, and even compensation for permanent disability. Additionally, if you require ongoing physical therapy, adaptive equipment, or modifications to your home, you may be entitled to compensation for those expenses as well.

Contact Our Maryland Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of dedicated Prince George’s County personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today. We stand ready to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.