Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Many people are without cars and choose to walk from place to place. Walking can be convenient in busy areas where parking is limited. It’s also a good source of exercise.
However, being a pedestrian comes with dangers. Motorists are not always looking out for pedestrians on the roadways. Drivers often cause serious pedestrian accidents. In fact, driver error is the most common cause of these crashes. Still, there are situations in which pedestrians are to blame. In these cases, even if a victim is 1% at fault, they cannot recover compensation. This is under Maryland’s contributory negligence laws, so the rules are strict.
Still, the law favors pedestrians. Drivers should not simply run over them if they are in the road and not in a crosswalk. Drivers should always yield to them.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important that you seek legal help. You are likely dealing with serious injuries, so make sure you get the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyer at Furman | Honick Law is ready to take on your case.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by the following:
- Distracted driving. Distractions are more common nowadays with drivers glued to their smartphones. Actions such as reading, eating, drinking, using the navigation system, and tending to children and passengers can also be distracting, causing pedestrian crashes.
- Intoxication can lead to decreased coordination and judgment. But it’s not just motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A large percentage of pedestrians try to get around on foot while intoxicated, making them more likely to get hit by a car.
- Poor visibility. One of the main reasons why motorists hit pedestrians is simply because they didn’t see them. Weather conditions, poor headlight use, and road conditions (such as curves) can make pedestrians harder to see.
- Jaywalking occurs when a pedestrian crosses a street outside of a crosswalk. When a pedestrian attempts to cross a street outside of a crosswalk, they must yield to drivers. If they fail to do so, and get hit, they likely will not receive any compensation.
- Dark clothing. Wearing dark clothing at night is a recipe for disaster for a pedestrian. It’s hard enough for motorists to see pedestrians. Pedestrians need to do their part to make themselves more visible. This means wearing light clothing and carrying a flashlight. It’s also a good idea to avoid poorly lit roads.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Pedestrians have nothing to protect them in the event of an accident. As a result, they can suffer from catastrophic injuries. Many of these crashes result in fatality.
Were you injured in a pedestrian crash? Was your loved one killed? Get compensation and justice with help from the experienced and aggressive Baltimore pedestrian accident lawyers at Furman | Honick Law. Call (410) 844-6000 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.